Living with type 2 as a young adult

“Diabetes” means different things for different people. There are stereotypes out there of what kind of person has diabetes, but in reality there is such a diverse range of people affected by the condition. Diabetes does not discriminate against age, gender, culture, religion, nationality, or how rich or poor you are. From my personal experience, for a lot of people the word “diabetic” conjures up the image of an overweight or older person. Some know about the importance of jelly beans and that some people with diabetes take injections. But the reality is that a lot of people do not understand diabetes and do not understand the difference between the two types.

And just to create more confusion, I was diagnosed at 19 years, within a normal weight range, with type 2 diabetes. As a 21 year old, when I tell people I have diabetes, most immediately assume I have type 1. People assume I do not experience hypos, which is sadly not true due to the cocktail of tablets I take. As I am starting on insulin soon, I am once again blurring the distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes for those around me.

When I was first diagnosed I wondered if I was to blame. But in my case, and like a lot of cases of type 2 diabetes, it just happened. No real causes. No real answers. Diabetes just chose me, just like how it chooses many other people. I was “just dealt an unlucky hand of cards” according to my doctor. At first I felt very isolated as I felt “different”. I knew a lot of older people with type 2 diabetes, and lots of young people with type 1 diabetes, but I didn’t fit in anywhere.

Although diabetes is not a terminal diagnosis, it is still life changing, and at the end of the day, my diabetes management is all in my hands.  I was running high and no amount of exercise or going “cold turkey” on chocolate or lollies could control my blood sugar levels. But through working with my endocrinologist and trialling different medications, I am slowly getting onto the right track.

I have learnt to be flexible with my diabetes, now managing it as best I can without it significantly affecting my lifestyle. When I was first diagnosed, everything seemed to revolve around diabetes, from food choices and fearing the unknown. Nowadays, it does not seem like a big deal anymore and is something I have incorporated into my lifestyle.  Diabetes has taught me to appreciate what I have and I now take care of myself much better than I would have if I wasn’t diagnosed.

Lisa Nguyen was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2009 at the age of 19.  She has been a recreational volunteer with Diabetes Camps Victoria. Opinions and thoughts expressed in her blog are her own.

 Living with type 2 diabetes certainly has its challenges. As a younger adult, you may find that type 2 diabetes impacts your life in ways that are not always well understood by others.

If you’re aged between 18 and 39, Diabetes Australia – Vic wants your help to better understand the ‘ups and downs’ of living with type 2 diabetes as a younger adult. Take part in our online survey to help us learn about your experiences living with type 2 diabetes. For more information please contact Amber Osborn – Project Officer, Type 2 Diabetes (Younger Adults) at aosborn@diabetesvic.org.au.