Hi I'm Chloe, I'm 17 and have Type 1 diabetes for 10 years, it has been a struggle. I developed diabetes when I was nearly 8 years old not long after I had my Pacemaker for my heart fitted. I nearly didn't make it as I had ketonacidousis before I was diagnosed. I have always hated diabetes. I ve struggled with it throughout my life as I just want to be a normal teenager like my friends. I always feel it's awkward to explain and for others without it to understand that just like a physical disability it affects your whole life. My mother Joanne also developed type 1 diabetes 2 years ago and so has been finding it tough herself but has got experience from helping me with my diabetes management.
I'm not going to lie but my diabetes isn't good, I've just managed to stay out of hospital these past times that I have been to the clinic. I try to motivate myself but as I get back into the swing of things I can not seem to get back on track. I feel very alone as I don't have someone my age to talk to as my friends wouldn't understand and it might make them think I am attention seeking. I don't want to tell my parents as I already put enough stuff on them and so don't want to make it worse.
I am currently in a relationship with a wonderful man named Ryan and he is the love of my life but I can't make him understand and I don't want to put pressure on him to take care of me as I don't want a third parent in that sense.
I don't think there will ever be a day with diabetes that I don't hate it or feel different. I just wish I could cope or that it'd go away.
Maldon, United Kingdom
