My diabetic life lessons

My name is Harsh Mishra, and I’m 21 years old. I was born with type 1 diabetes, a condition that has caused me many problems. It’s affected my health, schedule, diet and relationships.

However, while it may sound like a burden, diabetes has also taught me discipline, empathy and resilience. I’ve made sacrifices, faced daily struggles, and found the motivation to keep going.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Restrictions are a part of life

Most diabetics aren’t diagnosed till later in life, but I was born with it. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t need insulin or constant monitoring.

My parents were my blessing from God, overnight becoming experts in managing my blood sugar level and insulin doses and learning how to recognise the early warning signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. And from the moment I started walking, I was taught to be careful.

Growing up, I always felt very different. On my birthday I wasn’t allowed to eat chocolates or other outside treats like other children. Other kids had parties on their birthdays, and I always felt sad watching them. When you’re young, you don’t want to be special – You want to fit in.

You’ll face daily challenges

Everyone thinks diabetes is just about taking insulin and avoiding sweets, but it’s so much more than that. It’s always there, and I have to balance everything I do, every day, to keep it in control – Because I don’t have any other solution.

I have to check my blood sugar level multiple times a day. And every meal is planned by a dietician (considering how many carbs I’ll be eating, how active I’ll be after, and how much insulin I’ll need to take).

There have been times when I’ve miscalculated, and my body didn’t respond as expected.

I remember an incident in college when I had a severe hypoglycemic episode during an exam. I felt dizzy, started sweating, and couldn’t concentrate. I barely wrote anything on my answer sheet. The professor was shocked, telling me I looked pale and confused, but once I’d explained my condition, she felt terrible and tried to motivate me.

Beyond the physical impact, there’s also the mental toll. Diabetes never sleeps, and that means my sleep is disrupted as well. My parents used to check my sugar level while I was asleep to make sure I didn’t fall into a diabetic coma. Now that I’m older and living on my own, that responsibility falls to me, so I have an alarm that goes off during the night to remind me to check my sugar level.

You’ll make sacrifices

One of the hardest sacrifices I’ve had to make because of my diabetes is my social life.

I used to avoid going out with friends because it made me too anxious:

• Would I be able to store my insulin safely?
• Will there be the right food for me?
• What will I do if there’s an emergency?

I had to say no to things most youngsters would take for granted, like unplanned road trips, parties, and dinners out. Alcohol is another thing I had to be extra cautious around because it can affect blood sugar levels in unpredictable ways (I’ve drunk alcohol, but always carefully and remaining calculated and in control).

Even relationships are complicated. How do you explain to someone new that you have to carry a needle with you or will need to pause a date so you can check your sugar levels are correct?

The people in my life are thankfully very supportive. But there’s always the fear of rejection, and it’s not easy to open up about something so personal.

You’ll find your motivation

Despite all the difficulties it’s caused me, I refuse to let diabetes negatively define me – Instead, I use it as a motivator.

I realised if I didn’t take control of my health, I would lose control of my life. Poorly managed diabetes can cause loss of vision, kidney failure, and more. This knowledge helps me stay disciplined.

I’ve spent years studying my condition, talking to doctors, going to seminars, etc. And tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps have been life-changing – Knowing what’s going on with my body at any given moment gives me a great sense of control.

Fitness is another key motivator for me. I work out not to look good but to feel good. Exercise helps me maintain my blood sugar level and boost my mental health. And every workout session is a reminder to myself that I’m stronger than my condition.

Looking to the future

At 21, I feel like I’ve picked up a lifetime of lessons and experience. While others my age are just getting started figuring out their responsibilities in life, I’ve been carrying mine since birth – Diabetes forced me to mature early.

I don’t know what new technologies, possible cures, or unexpected challenges the future may bring. But I know I’ll continue to fight. Not just for myself but for every child who feels left out at a birthday party, every teen who hides their insulin pump, and every young adult who feels different.

I want to be an example to others that living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up your dreams – It just means working harder for them.

Final thoughts

To anyone reading this and facing a similar battle – Know that you’re not alone.

Your condition is just one part of your story. And trust me, your story can still be powerful, inspiring, and full of life.