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Diabetes Is My Life
  • About Tanja
    • My diabetes story
    • Contact
  • Diabetes
    • Diabetes Facts
  • Diabetes treatment
    • CGMs, Meters & Pumps
    • Insulin
    • Diabetes management
    • Diabetes tips
  • Diabetes stories from other people
  • Diabetes cookbook
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My diabetes story

Fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
My diabetes story

Fifth Day At IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

by tanja August 20, 2018

The fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC). Lots of best friends, unforgettable memories, loyal hearts, blossoming faces and only one reason: DIABETES.

The first session of the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

We started the day with the session “How to work with partners”. This session gave us insight from industry, diabetes association, and patient organizations on issues such as partnerships between industry and NGOs and collaboration between diabetes national organizations and IDF Europe.

Second session of the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

Next on our agenda was the summary of “the situation of diabetes treatment in Europe”. We filled a form about the diabetes situation in our country and later we were discussing the results.

Third session of the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

The last 4 inspirational presentations were from Ametkhan from Uzbekistan, Valia from Greece, Giuliano from Italy and Ines from Portugal. Each story inspired, highlighted different aspects of living with or being affected by diabetes.

The participants are having a group discussion.

Adding more physical activity to your day is one of the most important things you can do to help manage your diabetes and improve your health. On the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp, we were playing football (it was my first time playing football) 🙂 and later, we enjoyed an aerobic class led by Valia.

Together we are stronger.

Our last night

On the last evening, we organized a closing ceremony where each of us was performing something. We were singing, dancing traditional dances and performing some interesting tasks. Furthermore, we projected a short video with some of the best moments of the camp. Later, the members of IDF Europe gave us certificates for participation in the camp. Last, but not least, the organizers had a surprise for all of us. They let us make a barbecue outside of the hotel and they arranged a DJ who made the best party for us.

The participants are making the blue circle.

My final thoughts

This camp was the most wonderful experience of my life because it gave me a chance to meet many interesting and inspiring people from across Europe. No matter how hard sometimes it may be, these people help me realize that I am not the only person with diabetes in the world. Diabetes is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it’s our choice to scream or enjoy the ride.

Our last physical activity on the fifth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp
Me receiving the diploma.

And guys remember.  Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end. Goodbye simply means I will miss you until we meet again. <3 Take care guys and keep fighting until the cure is found. 🙂

August 20, 2018 0 comment
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Fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
My diabetes story

Fourth Day At IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

by tanja August 11, 2018

With the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp, new strength and new thoughts came.

The beginning of the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

The agenda for the fourth day

We started this day with the session about social media and communications. We were discussing social media channels and their characteristics. Moreover, we discussed the steps that we have to take for setting up campaigns and increasing engagement on social media. Later the trainers divided us into groups and we had to plan a social media campaign.

One of the sessions of the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Next, we had a presentation skills session on which we were focused on verbal and nonverbal communication. After that, we practiced our communication skills through role plays. Each of us had to tell our story about our experience with diabetes.

Our lovely trainers at the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Next on our agenda was the “Introduction to design thinking” session. We learned that design is defined as the intent behind an outcome. It’s a framework for teaming and action, which helps the teams to deliver outcomes that advance the state of the art and improve the lives of the people they serve.

My happy face during the sessions at the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Diabetes success stories are a great source of inspiration and support. This day we heard success stories of Louise, Anna, Martina and Marusha, who don’t let diabetes slow them down in achieving their dreams and goals.

Quote: Don't let diabetes rule your life.

The “taboo box”

At the beginning of the week, our trainers created a “taboo box”. Each of us wrote down and put anonymous questions. and during the session “living with diabetes and taboo forum” we were discussing them. We were talking about diabetes in the workplace, diabetes and sexual performance, diabetes, and pregnancy, diabetes, and alcohol as well as the pros and cons of using insulin pumps. Although this was the longest session and we didn’t have time to answer all the questions, in my opinion, this was the most interesting session.

Afternoon session at the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

And of course, I can’t forget the regular physical activities. At noon, we had the freedom to chose whether to play tennis, table tennis, or relax in the swimming pool. While, during the afternoon, we enjoyed the long walk around Srby. We had a lot of fun and of course, we took a lot of pictures.

And that is how was our forth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

The participants are exploring Srby.
The participants enjoying the fourth day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
August 11, 2018 0 comment
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Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
My diabetes story

Third Day At IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

by tanja August 4, 2018

To start, the third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp brought a new experience to us. We had an excursion in Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic and the heart of Europe too.

The excursion during the third day at IDF Youth Leadership Camp.

But first, we had an interactive workshop about Project Management. Next, we had a brief introduction to project management concepts, tools, and techniques. We were divided into groups to apply our newly gained knowledge to create our own project plan. My team had to plan an advocacy activity for World Diabetes Day. Our idea was to organize an open parliament for people with diabetes. We thought that on this parliament children, youth, adults, elderly people, and politicians should be invited. The aim of this parliament is to give a voice to every person living with diabetes.

The lectures on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Later, after the workshop, 4 new interesting presentations followed by Despina from Cyprus, Karolina from Poland, Christian from Russia and Zarina from Russia. Each of them had different, but inspirational stories that were worth to hear.

Some of the participants on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
One of the workshops on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Exploring Prague on the third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

Founded 12 centuries ago, Prague is a very old city. Its historical architecture provides an interesting insight into history. Without a doubt, wandering through the Old Town with its narrow streets of cobblestone seems to take you right back in time. The charming historical center and the castle area connected by the renowned Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful places in Prague. In fact, both the castle and the bridge have earned the city the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Me exploring Prague.
Excursion during the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Last, but not least, we had to think of an extraordinary flash mob to do while in Prague. In addition, I highly recommend you to watch the video below to see the result. 🙂

Dancing on flash mob on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Finally, we enjoyed two hours of a river cruise. In my opinion, this is one of the most delightful ways to see the historical center of Prague.

Having fun during the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
The participants on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
All of us on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
The participants enjoy Prague.
We had a chance to try the traditional dessert - trdelnik.
Some of the participants on the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
Me at the main square in Prague.
Macedonian and Serbian participant during the Third day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
The participants enjoy a river cruise.
Prague by night.
The most beautiful view in Prague.

August 4, 2018 0 comment
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Second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
My diabetes story

Second Day At IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

by tanja July 26, 2018

The second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp was a new day, new experience, new story.

The first presentation on second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

The second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp started with an interesting session for Advocacy. On the session, we focused on advocacy strategies, as well as on the importance of shaping campaigns for the desired impact. Moreover, we talked about European political institutions who influence the decisions of the national government with regard to diabetes prevention, treatment, and care. Also, we had a brief description of key advocacy partners. Last, but not least, we learned how young advocates may get involved to have an impact.

The second presentation on the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

Next, we were divided into 4 groups. We were working on different tasks. For instance, one of the group was working on an advocacy plan for improving access to an insulin pump. Next group was working on ending discrimination in the workplace. The third group was setting up a diabetes discussion group at the national parliament. And, the fourth group was lobbying for diabetes at a political campaign for national elections.

The third presentation on the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
Lunch break on the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

During the leadership session, we talked about the skills we consider essential for a good leader. Furthermore, we reflected on the relevance of the strategies to motivate people to get involved in their projects and activities.

Having fun during the presentan during the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

The activities during the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp 

Watching a football match on the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

This was a good day for two physical activities. At noon, we were playing Pétanque. It is a form of boules and the goal is to toss metal balls and get them as close as you can to a target. In comparison to this activity, in the afternoon, we were swimming in the swimming pool.

Playing Pétanque.
Participants are enjoying the second physical activity.

For this day, we listened 8 interesting and inspirational stories from Kamran, Milla, Elia, Tobias, Porsteinn, Oksana, Athena and the last one was my presentation. I had a chance to present myself, my experience with diabetes and my blog as well.

Me presentation on the second day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

July 26, 2018 0 comment
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Our first day at IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
My diabetes story

First Day At IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp

by tanja July 17, 2018

On the first day at IDF started we learned that the aim of the IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) is to nurture a new generation of youth advocates in diabetes. Furthermore, they create a European network of young leaders in diabetes. 

The participants of  IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp after playing volleyball.

Participants from Europe

Thanks to this camp, we became advocates. Hence, we learned how to raise awareness of this condition. Moreover, our goal was to urge stakeholders and the general public to take action on diabetes. We were 24 participants from Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Greece, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Sweden,  Finland, Denmark, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Germany, Italy, Iceland.

 The beginning of IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

How did the first go at IDF Europe Leadership Camp?

The day started with an introduction and team building activities. Next, we shared our expectations from the camp. Further, we had a series of presentations about “Health care in Europe” and “Trends in Diabetes”. After lunch, Cajsa Lindberg from Sweden had her “Inspirational lecture”. Last, but not least, was the presentation about “Living with Diabetes”.

The first lecture of  IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

For the purpose of the lectures, we briefly introduced ourselves and we gave an overview of the incidence of diabetes in our countries. We explained the resources available for treatment, describe the activities of our diabetes association. Last, but not least, we explained our involvement and further plans as diabetes advocates. Aleksandra from Serbia, Liv Olivia from Denmark, Lynsey from UK and Pavels from Latvia had a chance to start with their presentations first.

The second lecture.

Regular physical activity is a key part of managing diabetes. People with diabetes will agree. As a result, every day we had outdoor physical activities. On the first day, we were playing volleyball and we had a lot of fun too.

Playing volleyball at  IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.
Having fun at  IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp.

After the sessions, we had free time. We played different games and got familiar with our experiences with diabetes too.

July 17, 2018 0 comment
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IDF Europe
My diabetes story

The IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp Can Start!

by tanja July 8, 2018

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 230 national diabetes associations in 165 countries and territories. Not only the organization represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes, but also those at risk.

Furthermore, the IDF’s mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention, and a cure worldwide. Also, the organization takes actions to tackle diabetes from the local to the global level. It organizes different programs at the community level to worldwide awareness and advocacy initiatives as well.

IDF - International Diabetes Federation.

Every year, a Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) is organized in close collaboration with the Member Association. It is a great opportunity for young people who have diabetes and are actively engaged with their Association to improve their leadership skills. Moreover, it is a chance for all of us to learn about advocacy through IDF Europe activities.

This year, the camp will take place in Srby, a small town close to Prague, the Czech Republic. It will last 6 days, from 8th until 14th of July 2018. I am so happy that I have a chance to participate in the camp.

Do you image how do I feel at this moment? Excited and happy at the same time. At that moment I know that I am not the only person with diabetes in the world. That is why I am looking forward to meeting new friends from across Europe. I consider this camp as a great opportunity to gain knowledge and to share my inspiration with the rest of the participants.

Last, but not least, I can’t wait to make the change I want to see in the world.

The IDF Europe Youth Leadership Camp can start! 🙂 And I am looking forward to having the best time in Prague. 🙂 See you soon guys! 🙂

* Source: https://www.idf.org/

July 8, 2018 0 comment
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The moment I accepted my life with diabetes, it was the best decision I made in my life.
My diabetes story

Тhe Best Decision I Made In My Life

by tanja March 26, 2018

It’s not easy to accept a life with diabetes. For years we have tried everything to overcome diabetes, but every time our fight ended up without success. But I know that the moment I accepted my life with type 1 diabetes, it was the best decision I made in my life.

Тhe best decision I made in my life

Many people told me that I have to accept my health condition and live my life normally. As every single kid, I just wanted to stop injecting insulin. Every attempt to overcome this disease was new hope for me. At the age of 17, we tried our last hope – bioenergy. With this treatment, I was hoping that my pancreas will start functioning normally. I was excited, and I was expecting a miracle to happen. But during the therapy, each time when I was checking my blood sugar, it was greater than 12 mmol/l. That had a negative impact on the whole organism.

The best decision in my life

One day, my parents and I decided to talk together. They told me they were worried about my high blood glucose values. We realized that since our first time we decided to overcome diabetes, my blood sugar levels have increased. During every attempt, the excitement inside me was increasing, and that was the main reason for the high blood glucose levels. At that moment, I made the best decision in my life, I decided to accept my life with diabetes. Since then, my blood glucose levels have been in the range of normal. So I realized that I had made the best decision in my life.

Conclusion

Accept the situation that you have. It will make you stronger and happier. It will help you become more responsible for your health. Moreover, it will motivate you to have a happier and healthier life.

March 26, 2018 0 comment
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The moment when doctors diagnosed me with diabetes was a big shock for me
My diabetes story

Тhe Moment When I Realized That Diabetes Is Not Scary At All

by tanja March 15, 2018

The moment when doctors diagnosed me with diabetes was a big shock for me. All I remember that I couldn’t understand what was going on. I just knew that I can’t eat sweets and I have to inject insulin every day. That was the main difference between me and the other people.

Тhe moment when I realized that there are worse things in life than diabetes. I was only 6 years old.

The moment when my perception of diabetes has changed

Although it took me almost a year, my perception of diabetes has changed. The following summer, with my family we went on holiday to Greece. One afternoon, while I was in the sea, an elderly man sat beside me. At first glance, he looked normal. However, I noticed that something was wrong with his right leg. Suddenly, he pulled out his plastic leg. Next, I noticed that half of his leg was missing. I looked at my feet and I looked at his right leg again. I thought that I have two legs and I can easily walk, run, jump. He didn´t have that freedom to walk as I did. That was the moment I understood that diabetes is not as scary as l thought it was. Moreover, I realized that there are many other more serious problems that people are facing.

Conclusion

Life with diabetes is not scary at all. On the contrary, if you have a regular blood glucose control and if you inject your insulin therapy, you will have a normal life. As a result, we have to stop, take a moment and think that there that many other people without feet, hands, and other problem. No matter what kind of problems they are facing, they are still trying to find the positive meaning of life. We have to do the same. e have to accept it, be happy and try to enjoy every chance life gives to us.

March 15, 2018 0 comment
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My type 1 diabetes story began when I was six years old.
My diabetes story

This Is How My Type 1 Diabetes Story Began

by tanja March 4, 2018

My type 1 diabetes story is a perfect fit for any kid or teenager who has diabetes. Furthermore, it is a perfect fit for many parents who try to understand their loved ones who have diabetes.

When most of the teenagers are diagnosed with diabetes, they inevitably ask that universal question: “Why me?” When the doctors diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes, I was asking myself the same question. Although I was only 6 years old, I remember that moment as if it was yesterday.

The symptoms

I had the following symptoms: increased thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, and weight loss. Although I have never been fun of sweets and cakes, during that period, I was eating “Milka” chocolate from 100 grams at a time, and I was still losing weight. My teachers from the kindergarten noticed that I was losing weight. They told my parents that something was wrong and suggest them to take me to the hospital.

Me at age of 6 when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

The moment when my type 1 diabetes story began

The very next day, we went to the hospital. The doctors took a series of tests. Unfortunately, they diagnosed me with type 1 diabetes. The blood glucose target range for diabetics should be 5.0–7.2 mmol/l. Unfortunately, my blood glucose level was 12 mmol/l.

This number did not mean anything to me, but for my parents was a shock. They knew that that was the beginning of my type 1 diabetes story.

Few hours after the diagnosis, the doctors explained to my parents everything about diabetes. The next difficult step was to explain this situation to their 6-year-old girl. At first, it was difficult for me to understand them. Together with my mother, we stayed for one week in the hospital. The doctors carried out more analysis in order to determine what type of insulin I should use. Then for the first time, I asked myself – why was this happening to me?

However, my parents and my sister knew that they have to help me to keep blood glucose levels under control. Every day they talked to me and taught me how to behave in order to keep me healthy and live a normal life.

I remember that I was asking my parents if they had diabetes like me. I was even asking them if we can replace – if they can have diabetes instead of me.

After a week, they let me go home. I was very happy. However, I was not aware of the challenges I will be facing. And I didn’t know that one part of my life will change forever.

March 4, 2018 0 comment
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About Me

A girl who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for 21 years, shares her personal everyday experiences and explains how she manages her diabetes world.

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