Being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis can leave you trying to understand what your life will look like — doing treatments, taking numerous medications and vitamins, and living each day wondering what more you could possibly be expected to deal with. This disease impacts various organ systems and can create a variety of medical conditions and complications.

Out of the numerous conditions and side effects associated with cystic fibrosis, I also have cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

One summer day when I was a teen, I was getting ready to go out, and I had an unquenchable thirst. So I drank a two-liter bottle of coke. As I was walking out of the house, the phone rang. My mother stopped me and said, “You are going to the hospital.” I had no clue why. She told me my last blood test at the CF clinic showed a blood sugar level of over 900.

In the hospital, I learned about CFRD.  I spoke to doctors, dietitians, and nutritional advisors. I was taught how to test my blood sugar, give myself insulin shots, and what I should and shouldn’t eat to balance my sugar and A1C.

I found myself crying and asking God, why me? And what’s next? I felt hopeless wondering how I was going to be able to manage CFRD and CF and still be able to have a life worth living.

I had a tough time dealing with high and low blood sugar levels. In high school, I was given an earlier lunch period so I had enough time to check my blood sugar and give myself insulin. Classmates walking into the lunchroom would stare at me and whisper rumors about why I got extra time for lunch. It made me nervous and anxious.  

I had times when my blood sugar dropped so low, I wound up in the hospital. When this happened, I would feel loopy, disoriented, and unaware of what was going on around me. It took time to learn how to regulate my CFRD.

I remember my twin daughters, Brianna and Cheyenne, bringing me orange juice to help raise my blood sugar level as I struggled to come out of what felt like a coma. All I could do was watch everyone and listen. I couldn’t say or do anything until my sugar level came back up. It was tough and embarrassing to deal with.

I knew I had to get better at controlling my blood sugar. I had to create a new routine to help me get through each day.

I was placed on an insulin pump and no longer had to take four shots a day. Later, I got a continuous glucose monitor, which replaced having to take multiple blood sugar tests throughout the day.  

So along with taking insulin and checking my sugars, I continue to take my pills, do my treatments, and cough so hard that my face turns red. All the while, I still deal with looks, comments, and remarks from others who don’t understand.

I’ve had challenges and still deal with occasional low sugar levels when I work and volunteer, but I have learned to manage my CF and CFRD. I had to be honest with myself and those around me about what I needed to do to deal with managing my blood sugar. That’s why my coworkers, friends, and fellow volunteers understand my situation and have become my community support network.

Managing cystic fibrosis and CF-related diabetes together involves multidisciplinary care — including respiratory therapies, nutritional support, and regular monitoring of lung function, blood sugar, and overall health.

My advice to you all is to breathe easy, test your blood sugar levels, stay focused, stay positive, and above all stay strong. 

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