#diabetesstories – Caitlin Robbins

Diabetes is a full time job! There are no breaks, no holidays, no time outs. We are having to replicate everything that one of our organs should be doing. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 in the middle of all of my GCSE exams (not ideal timing) .

I had lost a huge amount of weight in three months without trying and had been drinking about 4 liters of water a day if not more yet I was still thirsty.

At the time I had a needle phobia so that was something I had to get over but having to do six injections a day it happened very quickly luckily.

I have been quite lucky with my diabetes as my best friend is also a type 1 diabetic and that definitely comes in handy! I think it also comes in handy when I’m talking to patients because it means that I can relate to them or share what it’s like to have a diabetic eye screening which can often settle any nerves patients may have.

I actually also found out that I am now going to be getting a diabetic pump which is a complete game changer for me and will stop me from having to inject so many times and will reduce it down to just one a day.