Today I am speaking with Savannah Grim, and her husband. They say diabetes is a family disease and this is definitely true for these two. Savannah was diagnosed at the young age of 22 months old, just shy of her 2nd birthday due to the diligence of her grandmother.
First off, what type of diabetes do you have? We have readers with all types, so it’s important to talk about this first.
I have type one diabetes. I was diagnosed on 10/7/1996
How were you made aware that you had diabetes? Please share your diagnosis story with our readers.
Savannah: I was 22 months old. my grandmother had retired to take care of me and she noticed me getting lethargic and losing weight so she took me to my pediatrician, who ran tests and then they took me to children’s.
Husband: When I met my wife, she had an insulin pump, that kind of gave it away to me that she had diabetes. She had a heart to heart with me about how it affected her.
We’re all curious, even if we live the life, everyone is different, what is a typical day like for you?
Savannah: I never have a typical, normal day it seems like, to me they all seem different.
Husband: Making sure my wife isn’t low, going to work, checking on her throughout the day and feeding her when I get home.
Describe the one scariest moment since your diagnosis.
Savannah: The scariest moment since being diagnosed for me was my DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis and ICU stays in the hospital).
Husband: Spending a week with my wife in ICU
Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming, how do you cope with the constant battle of trying to maintain a proper balance with your blood sugars?
Savannah: I cry a lot honestly; my husband is a tremendous help for me. It feels like I have to give up a lot but I am trying my hardest to get better. After 20 years it really takes a toll on you.
Husband: Stay up with testing and making sure you take care of yourself.
If you could give one tip to someone newly diagnosed what would it be?
Savannah: Surround yourself with people that love and care for you. One of the best things you can have is a great support system.
Husband: Feeling responsible for her if anything happens.
What is the most challenging aspect to you, in living with diabetes?
People constantly asking if I can eat this, or if I can eat that. It is difficult to explain to them how insulin works, when they think they already know everything there is to know about diabetes.
What was your reaction when you found out you had diabetes?
Savannah: I really don’t know this one as I was only 2 years old.
What was hardest for you and your family — emotionally? Or financially?
Savannah: The hardest thing for my family at the time was understanding why this was happening to me because I was so young.
Husband: Knowing how hard it will be on her to have kids, carry them to term and conceive as well as the possible complications that may come along with it.
How often do you have to test your glucose levels?
Savannah: Ha! I have no comment on this one. I definitely could get better, often times it is suggested that type 1s test themselves between 10-15 times a day.
Husband: She doesn’t test often enough.
What insulins have you used or do you currently use?
Savannah: I have used Novalog, Humalog, Humalin R, and Lantus
What would you like people who have diabetes to know?
Savannah: Don’t let your diagnosis define who you are.
Husband: Stick with it, and never give up.
Who do you get support from? Who treats you?
Savannah: Family, my husband and my BFF.
Husband: My mother in law and her best friend Colton.
Further reading:
Let’s conclude on a positive note. I know it can be difficult to find the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you thought really hard, what is one positive thing that diabetes has brought to your life?
Savannah: Camp Sweeney, family and my best friend Colton.
Husband: Makes us be more aware of what we eat.
TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Sergii Vasyliuk MD on June 02, 2020