More Than My Diagnosis: Jess
Two hours, thirty minutes. That's how long it took Jess to run her first half marathon this year, a goal that once felt very far away.
Running is relatively new for her, just over two years now, alongside two things that have been there longer: piano and reading. Between training, practicing, and getting through a book, it's a full life.
She was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 10. A fairly classic case - weight loss, tiredness. So much so, that it prompted her mum to book a doctor’s appointment. A finger-prick test gave them the answer. "I had no idea what diabetes was and immediately assumed the worst," Jess says.
She spent five days in hospital, and Jess acknowledges that she spent a good deal of that time in denial, convinced there'd been some kind of mistake. She'll admit she gave the nurses a hard time trying to teach her how to manage it. They stuck with her anyway. "It's been a long journey with plenty of highs and lows, and I'm still learning something new about diabetes all the time."
When she took up running, it brought its own learning curve. Her blood sugar would drop mid-run, forcing her to stop and treat it. "It was frustrating, and sometimes I wondered if I'd ever reach my goal." Working with her diabetes team, she found a routine that worked, enough carbs before and during runs, Exercise Mode on her pump, and eventually, a finish line.
"I'm incredibly proud that I never gave up," she says. "My journey has shown me that having type 1 diabetes doesn't stop you from achieving your goals. Anything is possible."
A good day, for Jess, is remembering to bolus before meals (not that it always happens), getting through the day without diabetes getting in the way, and still having time left over for the hobbies she loves so much.
"I hope my story gives people hope," she says.
““I want others to know that it’s okay not to be perfect at managing diabetes. There will be days when your blood sugars are high, low, or all over the place, no matter how hard you try. On those days, remember that you’re human. Be kind to yourself and know that you’re not alone. We’re all still learning every single day.” ”