Type 1 diabetes: Sam's story

Sam who was diagnosed with diabetes at 11, talks about living with this long-term condition.

(Part 1 of 2)

The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high-quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple-accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.

Free learning from The Open University

For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel

#OpenUniversity #diabetes

[TyroneEntertainingJoseph]

I just got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 weeks ago when the doctor told me I had it. I was crying I was now my life has changed forever, but it’s fine. I will stay positive eat right and exercise and make sure I check my blood sugar levels 4 times a day.

For all the diabetic people out there you’re not alone stay positive and keep your head up 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[junemallen]

Good on you. I've been a type 1 diabetic since 1977. It's hard work, you have so many issues to deal with. Not many people realise this. Keep well and safe. 😊👍👋

[hannahwelsh]

This is actually really inspiring for me to take more care of my T1 diabetes

[Mitzi-chan]

Sam has such a good attitude. ❤ I hope he's still alive, he seems very kind

[ladondrac.garriette]

I have been Type1 diabetic since birth. I am 44 yrs.old, I can't remember ever not taking insulin. I commend you all for all you have done.

[darcywatson]

I have had type one for 2 years and it has changed my life sometimes I feel upset or different but this video makes me feel happy because I can relate to it so much and reading all the comments just make me feel a lot better about myself.

[jmill]

I got diagnosed with type 1 about three months ago at the age of 15 right after my birthday and so far it has gone very well with my first average blood sugar test at the hospital being about 6 mmol, i am so grateful for the Norwegian hospitals that made it so that us with diabetes get free sensors every two weeks and insulin. I will keep on living with diabetes and try to live a normal life despite my sickness, and pray that there will be a cure as soon as possible!

[mellawson]

I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed just after my 6th birthday and it's been almost 12 years now. I hate having it but I guess I just have to get over it. Hopefully they'll find a cure soon but we have to remain positive until then. Thank you so much for sharing your story :)

[danieldimino]

I was diagnosed with type one on july 9 2013 after two seizures I was in a coma for two days my blood sugar was over 1300 I was told how lucky I was to be alive by the great staff at st rose hospital in las vegas nv I have a new appreciiation for life and I am truly happy I was able to come back from a horrible tragedy and share it

[bravedong]

I got dignosed T1DM when I was 16, and now I am 26 and work in ahospital as doctor in Respiratory department

[harleygarside]

As a diabetic I hate when people say they would rather kill themselves than to inject insulin.... pisses me off

[twistedreality]

I’ve been diabetic for 19 years. I went through something called diabetic distress and went into a 14 A1C level. I was in a very dark place and felt really alone. This is just a message to anyone reading I’m now at a 7.4 a1c and it does get easier find someone that can help and push you in the right direction

[reswantner]

I have been type 1 for 33 years, have an 3 month average blood sugar of 127. I travel for my job 95% of the year and eat out every meal. It is all about choices and moderation and mixed with walking and light exercise. My weight is good my doctors(retired two at the place I go to) have all thought I was a bit thin for my height 6 foot and about 180 lbs. Couple of great things I appreciate: long acting insulin(balance), continuous glucose monitor(trends), insulin pens(easy to travel).

[mellawson]

I feel the same. Like if you take something out in class everyone will stare at you or ask what are you doing, when all you want to do is fix yourself.

[Bluefire]

You're handling it well! I was diagnosed when I was 1 and I'm now 13. I've had a few collapses (where I go seriously low) but now I got a brand new pump and I'm managing it better.

[typetony]

Sam you look good here, hope you are still doing well. I wasDiagnosed at 17, 43 now. The first 13 years were a disaster but I turned it around big time. It's still rough but being a type 1 made me stronger than I would have been otherwise.

[melinas.]

I totally understand you, Sam. ☺ To see the way we live daily is viewed as "gloomy". Truth is....it is. People think we get easily drunk, are lazy, like to "eat" abruptly, helpless, negative. We just view our beginning of each day as "a job" we didn't apply for. We gotta do, but we need more plans (as Sam said) to take place. Serious, yet comfortable is what we have to be. It is a hectic way to live. Sadly. We just make it interesting & worthy to teach others to be grateful for the small things in life taken for Sam.

[ianvicedomini]

Marvellous man. It’s a struggle just the same for me. I inject four times a day and I find it incredibly hard to get to a happy medium with my sugars especially when I’m quite active. The heat is tremendously hard to deal with but also during the cold weather, I struggle to stay at a suitable result. Up’s and down’s 😟. My heart goes out to those with type 1 diabetes like myself. Inspiring video mate, keep your sugars stable my friend.

[chopgxdprod.votepaydro]

I was diagnosed with type 1 roughly 5 months ago after almost losing my life in the hospital. I take 4 shots of insulin a day and have made major changes to my lifestyle. Still learning how to make it work. I quickly learned that the type community really sticks together. Good luck to everyone

[emilynebben]

Thank you for sharing your story Sam. My son is 16 and was diagnosed 1.5 years ago. It's been a great stress on our family and I worry all the time for Carter. I believe awareness is key. Thank you, thank you, thank you!