No, I require insulin to live…and likely always will. My pancreas doesn’t make it anymore. Prior to my pump (25 years ago), I took insulin as many do now – through mulitple daily injections via syringe or pen. Harmony in my life with Type 1 diabetes, obviously and firstly includes insulin therapy (as noted), healthy, mindful eating, regular physical activity, emotional and nervous system regulation, and a very healthy dose of self-compassion.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes has been a tremendous learning experience – an outstanding “no choice” opportunity to learn and live better. Thanks for asking Martina.

Sounds very interesting. Does that mean you don’t need to take insulin? Or do you manage it with insulin and healthy food?

Thank YOU for sharing your experience Martina. These discourse is a gorgeous by-product of writing. My response to your question came straight away, so l’m sharing here too. 🙂
I don’t “combat” my diabetes now. I live (more) in harmony with it. Every decision, every day considers blood sugar management. Ive adjusted my perspective and am all the better for it.

Please let me know if you have other questions. We’re all in this together.

I was fortunate not to inherit my grandmother’s diabetes, though one of my cousins did. She’s done incredibly well managing it and has had an insulin pump for years now, which has been life-changing for her.

Unfortunately, my grandmother didn’t have access to the same management. She couldn’t resist living a life on cakes and smoking. She passed away at the age of 60.

My stepdad is currently living with diabetes and managing it well at 80.

You were so young when you lost your mother. I lost my father to cancer just last year, and like you, I often think about how we hope science will be on our side when we need it most. It’s both humbling and hopeful to see how far we’ve come in understanding and treating conditions like diabetes, even as we wish those advances had come sooner for the people we’ve loved and lost.

Thank you for sharing your story. These experiences remind us why continued research and awareness matter so much.

I look forward to hearing how you apply your skills today in combating diabetes, or is that a completely separate endeavour?

Thank you Amanda for taking the time to read and comment. I hope the same…and I hope the same too.

It is a labor of love that uplifts me. Thank you for taking the time to read (and leave this thoughtful commment).

Michelle! That is a great question. I wonder how teaching technology has evolved? My first guess is that they still use the orange because, sadly, insulin pens or pumps as delivery systems are not available to all. Thank you for reading!

Karen! I’m so happy that the ideas and suggestions here prompted a renewed sense of mindfulness in your daily routine. It really is foundational to our well-being. Let us know if you have any insights. Thank you for reading!

I appreciate your thoughtfulness Karen in your reply. “Choose joy” is a powerful mantra. I’m so glad to know that someone gets my sense of humor. Methinks we’ll be good friends.

Thank you for reading and commenting Sangeeta!

Dear Dr. Sir, thank you for your kind words and for always being a conduit the the powerful teachings of yoga.