Celebrating mothers in the type 1 diabetes community

Celebrating Mother's Day is always a joyous occasion, especially as a mom in the type 1 diabetes community. I cherish membership in this special club and never take for granted the blessing of raising (along with a wonderful husband) an amazing young man.

I remember vividly the diagnosis at UCLA Medical Center that changed my life forever. I was in my twenties. I wasn't feeling well but wasn't remotely thinking the constant thirst, frequent runs to the restroom, and gradual weight loss were all classic diabetes symptoms.

I had no reference. No family member with the condition. And I didn't know anyone who had it.

So, the diagnosis was surprising, to say the least. While in the hospital, doctors informed me that I had type 1 diabetes (t1d) and would require daily insulin injections for the rest of my life. A nurse asked how I was coping with the news and, naively, I answered, "Fine."

Perhaps if I fully understood the enormity of t1d and the impact it would have on my future, the answer would have been different. Instead, I thought, "It could be worse."

Understanding T1D (while living a full life)

What I've learned about t1d in the years since is that it's a condition that requires daily consideration. Ownership. Patience.

Diabetes is as much about perspective as it is about outlook. My outlook has always been, "I have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me." As I forged uncharted territory that involved daily fingersticks and insulin injections, dealing with the effects of blood sugar highs and lows, and navigating life as a young woman working in the entertainment industry with a chronic condition, I never thought there was anything I couldn't do. In fact, during the course of my career, I've accomplished everything I ever set out to do — live and work in New York City, travel the world as an executive for a major airline, write a film, produce television shows, co-author three books, and contribute articles to major publications.

Friends that know me know that I'm an open book. I've never hidden my condition. I believe the more people understand diabetes, the less daunting it is. I also believe people are put in each other's lives for a reason and can honestly say that every supervisor I've ever had has been understanding and supportive.

Looking back now, I don't know how I've managed to do it all. I guess I just had faith.

Meeting challenges (while keeping the faith)

And it's faith that allowed me to know that motherhood would be a part of my journey, despite the associated risks for those living with t1d. Were there challenges? Of course.

I was in my early forties, African American, and high-risk. All those factors worked against me, but I instead chose to focus on the opportunity and beautiful outcome. When my husband and I realized our dream had come true, I did everything necessary — from regular appointments with the endocrinologist and OB-GYN, to eating properly and exercising — to deliver a healthy baby.

Worry has never been my style. I would much rather educate myself and be proactive. Thanks to advances in medical technology, I've evolved from daily fingersticks and insulin injections to a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an Omnipod insulin management system that have been game changers for my active life.

I also watch my diet (though it can be challenging not to fall prey to fast food or the occasional dessert). Thankfully, I don't have a sweet tooth. But if I do indulge, it's usually just a spoonful, and I get right back on track for the next meal. Exercise with friends and family has also been a lifesaver, and so have quarterly doctor's appointments with my endocrinologist to stay on track.

Celebrating life (while learning from the journey)

It's important to me to be as healthy as possible, not just for myself but for my family, too. I don't want to be a burden. I want to be able to show up and enjoy every minute of this motherhood journey God has blessed me with and be the kind of mom to my son that my mom is to me: Kind. Caring. Concerned. Nurturing.

I am my son's biggest fan. A devoted baseball mom. A working mom. And during the pandemic, a chef and a home-schooling mom. I may have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me. I try to live as an example of what it looks like to have a full, happy life. A life that's about more than the daily management of t1d.

So, as Mother's Day approaches, I will bask in the beauty of motherhood and count my son as my greatest blessing and success in life. He's helpful when I need orange juice to combat blood sugar lows, and agreeable when the restaurant choice has to be a healthy one. I've learned so much about unconditional love from him and hope he has learned from me to have empathy for others who may have chronic health conditions.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the type 1 mamas in the diabetes community, who do it all for everyone else while also taking care of themselves. Sit back, relax, and let the family pamper you — because you deserve it!

Are you on the motherhood journey with type 1 diabetes and looking for family planning tips? Explore the Health Insights blog for more information, such as the importance of preconception counseling.