My hopes and fears as a 28-year-old diabetic

Being a 28-year-old in Punjab, the vibrant heart of Asia, comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs. But when you add type 1 diabetes into the mix, life takes on a truly unique perspective. As I navigate the bustling streets and colourful markets, my hopes and fears as a diabetic shape my daily routine and outlook on life.

My hopes

One of my biggest hopes is to see the stereotypes surrounding diabetes broken and general awareness increased. Punjab has a rich agricultural heritage, and sugarcane fields stretch as far as the eye can see. In this region, sweet treats are a cultural delight. However, people’s perceptions of how diabetics are affected by sugar are far from accurate. I hope to educate my community about the realities of type 1 diabetes and inspire others, demonstrating that diabetes doesn’t define my capabilities or limit my dreams.

My fears

Living with type 1 diabetes means riding the roller coaster of blood sugar levels. I live in constant fear of unexpected highs and lows. And the regular festivities and feasts of my culture and local community often add further challenges to blood sugar management. The fears of sudden spikes during celebrations or dips during a busy day are always at the back of my mind.

Managing these highs and lows is a delicate balance, and careful planning helps me avoid these unpredictable swings as much as possible.

My battle with misconceptions

People are often confused between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. I hope to dispel these misconceptions and help people distinguish between the two.

Unfortunately, I’ve often faced misunderstandings – And it’s disheartening to face judgement or well-intentioned advice from friends and family who haven’t fully grasped the nuances of my condition.

My access to healthcare, and my advocacy for it

Accessing quality healthcare is critical for effective diabetes management. I hope this improves, though I fear the ongoing disparities.

There have been many strides in medical advancement, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. I see advocating for improved diabetes care as a personal mission and hope that through our community’s collective efforts, we can tackle the issues of limited resources and create a more inclusive healthcare system.

My dietary heartaches

Punjab has some of the world’s most delicious cuisine. But for a diabetic, the availability of such tempting dishes can be a battleground.

While I hope for a general cultural shift towards healthier eating habits, I still fear being left out during social gatherings. And managing my diet in a place where hearty meals are a tradition requires constant vigilance.

My technological dreams

The ongoing advancements in diabetes management technologies bring me hope every day.

Continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps have revolutionised how I navigate my life with diabetes. And they’ve made me optimistic about the future of diabetes care.

However, the prospect of technological glitches and the cost of these advancements sometimes brings me a level of uncertainty and fear.

My balancing act between ambitions and health

As a 28-year-old, I’m filled with hope and ambitions for the future. However, as a type 1 diabetic I’m also afraid I’ll overexert myself and my health will suffer.

Striking a balance between career ambitions, social ambitions and personal health becomes a delicate dance.

My fear of burnout is real. But so is my hope that by prioritising self-care and setting realistic goals, I can still lead a fulfilling life.

My belief in my community

In Punjab, communities are tight-knit, and the support of my friends and family is like a beacon of hope to me.

My fear of isolation is conquered by the understanding and encouragement of the people around me. And sharing my diabetes journey with them has helped me turn my community into a valuable pillar of support.

Final thoughts

For a 28-year-old type 1 diabetic, every day carries with it hopes and fears.

Each one brings me a new opportunity to educate, advocate, and grow as I embrace my cultural heritage and personal well-being. There are challenges and obstacles, but I push through them, knowing that I’m working toward a future where diabetes is understood, accepted, and met with compassion and awareness.

Because the more we understand one another, the more inclusive we can make our society – And then everyone can thrive.