The saying goes: a picture is worth a thousand words, even if it appears straight-forward on the surface. I have a photo from my 5th grade Valentine’s Day party at Howe Elementary. Just as you would imagine, it represents an innocent moment of fun — a cute school celebration that everyone remembers from their own childhood. For me, that picture represents a much more significant change in my life.

The very next day, a routine doctor’s appointment turned into a three-day hospital stay and a life-changing diagnosis: type 1 diabetes. A few tests confirmed the doctor’s evaluation, and we headed straight for Children’s Hospital for a crash course in managing childhood diabetes. As a child, the hospital stay was crucial to stabilize my condition and prepare me to live with the disease. My parents and I had to learn how to test my blood sugar, inject insulin and manage glucose levels that were either too high or too low. As a elementary school student, it was a lot to take in.

Since that day, I learned more than most about this disease. The first and most important rule: keep your blood sugar in check. Stable blood sugar is of the upmost importance, as it leads to a better overall life and reduces the chances of severe complications. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to stop playing sports after I was diagnosed. I initially feared there would be health risks, but the opposite was true. It suddenly became more important for me to stay active than someone without the condition. The sports I participated in actually helped me manage my diabetes.

Now as an adult, it’s been harder to make time for exercise. Yet, it’s important for me to stick to the physical activities that help manage my blood sugar. It’s taken some time, but I’ve come to accept regular exercise as a key part of my treatment, just like taking insulin and using my glucose monitor.

With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, I tend to think of the many caring people who have helped me manage this disease. I’m grateful to them and to those who work to find a cure. It also reminds us to know the symptoms and get treatment as soon as possible. I’m living proof that with the right care, you can live a full and active life even with type 1 diabetes.