Balancing Faith and Health: My Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

Hello, dear readers! I’m Travis Wilson, a pastor at a wonderful Lutheran Church in Michigan, and I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for 25 years. Yes, you read that right—a quarter of a century! That’s longer than the internet has been mainstream. Imagine that! As someone who navigates the dual roads of spiritual care and chronic illness management, I’ve learned a lot about balancing faith and health. Today, I’d like to share my journey with you, sprinkled with a bit of humor and a lot of heart.

The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the tender age of 15. Back then, I thought “type 1” was just a rating for how cool you were—turns out it’s not quite that glamorous. The initial shock of diagnosis came with a mix of fear and bewilderment. Suddenly, I had to learn about insulin, blood sugar levels, and a whole new language that sounded more like a secret spy code than medical terminology.

But amidst the confusion and trying to make sense of it all, there was faith. My family reminded me that while this was a new challenge, it was one we would ultimately too face with God’s help. And so, my journey began, not just as a diabetic but as a diabetic with a strong faith foundation.

Learning to Live with Diabetes

Living with diabetes is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope—blindfolded. It’s a constant balancing act. From carb counting to insulin injections or continuous glucose monitor sensors falling out, every day is an adventure in endocrinology. There were times when I felt like a human pin cushion with all the finger pricks, and my friends joked that I could start a side business as a human glucose meter. But hey, laughter is great medicine!

As I grew older, my faith grew deeper. I realized that managing diabetes wasn’t just about physical health; it was also about mental and spiritual well-being. I started incorporating daily prayers into my routine, asking for strength, patience, and sometimes a little extra energy to deal with the never-ending cycle of blood sugar highs and lows. There were days when my prayers were as simple as, “Lord, please help me not eat that donut,” and other days when I wanted to go deeper.

Faith As A Pillar of Strength

Being a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of seeing faith work miracles in people’s lives. My own life is no exception. My faith has been my anchor, especially on days when diabetes feels overwhelming. On those particularly challenging days, I remind myself of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse has been an important reminder for me when diabetes tries to get the best of me.

I’ve also found that humor and faith go hand in hand. After all, God gave us the gift of laughter to help us through tough times. When my insulin pump decides to chime it’s alarms during a sermon or worship, I quip, “Even my pump is moved by the Holy Spirit!”

Practical Tips for Managing Diabetes with Faith

1. **Daily Devotions:** Start your day with a moment of prayer or meditation. It sets a positive tone and helps you face the day’s challenges with a calm spirit. I often include a quick check of my blood sugar as part of my morning routine—checking in with God and my glucose levels at the same time!

2. **Community Support:** Don’t underestimate the power of community. My church faith community has been a tremendous support system. They’ve prayed for me, encouraged me, and even tried to help me behave when choosing foods at coffee hours or potlucks! Sharing your journey with others lightens the load.

3. **Healthy Habits:** Balance is key. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep are crucial. I like to joke that I’m on a “divine diet”—lots of fruits of the spirit, and avoiding the “sinfully” sweet treats. Okay, maybe I indulge sometimes more than I should, but moderation is the key. 4. **Faith-Fueled Resilience:** Whenever you face a setback, lean on your faith. Diabetes management isn’t perfect; there will be days when your blood sugar levels are as unpredictable as Michigan weather. In those moments, remind yourself that you’re not alone. God is with you, guiding you through the highs and lows.

Finding Joy In the Journey

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to find joy in the journey. Living with diabetes isn’t a curse; it’s a part of my life that has shaped me into who I am today. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of self-care. And, it’s given me a platform to connect with others who face similar challenges.

Humor plays a big role in finding joy. I remember one time when I was on a church retreat, and my insulin pump alarm went off in the middle of the night. Half-awake, I fumbled with it, and my roommate asked, “Travis, is that your midnight snack alarm?” We both burst into laughter, and it turned a potentially frustrating situation into a moment of bonding and levity.

Conclusion: Walking Together in Faith and Health

As I continue my journey with type 1 diabetes, I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me and the faith that sustains me. Being a pastor allows me to share these experiences and remind others that we are never alone in our struggles. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness or facing any life challenge, remember that faith, a good sense of humor, and a supportive community can make all the difference.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more stories, insights, and perhaps a few more laughs with you. Together, we can navigate the tightrope of life, balancing faith and health with grace and joy.