Chapter 1: Understanding Diabetes and Insulin

Managing diabetes feels much like trying to ride an untamed horse. The complexity of hormones, especially insulin, presents a continual challenge for many. These hormones fluctuate constantly, adapting to the myriad functions they serve in our bodies. Among them, insulin stands out as particularly difficult to navigate, especially for those of us who are always eager for the next meal or emotional experience.

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating our appetites and reactions to various stimuli. Each time we indulge in a rich meal or face stressful situations, our bodies respond with spikes in insulin. However, we often lack complete control over our food intake, emotional states, or physical activities, making it hard to manage insulin levels effectively. This struggle is especially pronounced for those whose bodies do not produce insulin naturally.

Three years ago, my husband received a diagnosis of LADA, or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. This condition initially resembles type 2 diabetes but is, in fact, a slowly progressing form of type 1 diabetes. As his pancreatic beta cells deteriorate, the treatment that began with medication like Metformin would soon require the addition of insulin.

As he continued to struggle with high blood sugar levels throughout the summer, despite his efforts with diet and exercise, the need for insulin became increasingly clear. However, he was hesitant, knowing that beginning insulin therapy would feel like grappling with a wild horse—a daunting prospect.

Finally, I took charge. One week ago, I guided him to sit down, retrieved the insulin and needles from the fridge, and asked him directly, "Do you want to wait until you’re hospitalized?" He hesitated, concerned about injecting himself in the abdomen, so I offered his leg instead, even volunteering to administer it myself.

After reviewing the process again, he insisted on giving the injection to himself. Despite his past experiences with finger pricks, he was visibly nervous. His hands shook so much that I had to intervene, fearing he might injure himself.

Administering insulin is a straightforward task; the needle is incredibly fine, and it takes mere seconds to deliver the medication. To his surprise, he felt no pain, exclaiming that the finger pricks were far worse.

With that initial fear overcome, I felt a sense of relief, but I knew our journey was far from over. Would this new treatment stabilize his blood sugar levels? Would he regain his energy and stop the frequent trips to the bathroom? The next morning, I awoke to find him cheerful, having started the day with a blood sugar level of 100.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, astonished by his newfound vitality. "I feel amazing! I might even go for a run!" His happiness was a sight for sore eyes, and it was clear that the insulin was having a positive effect.

As the day progressed, however, fluctuations in his blood sugar reappeared. His medical team provided differing opinions on insulin management, and he decided to follow a new regimen that involved splitting his doses.

The unpredictability of his condition reminded us that managing diabetes is an ongoing battle. In the middle of the night, an alarm alerted him to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. I rushed to assist, providing him with honey to stabilize his condition.

The following day brought more confusion as his levels continued to fluctuate. After consulting with his doctors, he decided to adjust his insulin strategy, aiming for a more balanced approach.

This journey, akin to learning to drive, requires patience and resilience. Just as he had mastered driving, I assured him he would also learn to navigate his health. Using "we" in our conversations emphasized that this was not just his struggle but ours together, bolstering his spirits.

The history of insulin is a testament to its life-saving power. The first recipient was a 14-year-old boy named Leonard Thompson, who saw his blood sugar drop to normal after receiving insulin in 1922. The pioneering doctors who extracted insulin were celebrated for their groundbreaking work, a reminder of the hope and support available in this journey.

The video titled "Spirit Untamed Movie (Spirit Toys) | Workout For Kids!" showcases the importance of physical activity and play, paralleling our need for balance and support in managing diabetes.