My Diabetic Journey

 As of date, I have discovered that I am now dealing with type 1 diabetes (T1d) I had suspected it almost two years ago. But just recently went to an Endocrinologist about it. It was only 3 and a half years ago that I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. This developed right after I got Covid for the first time back in January of 2021. I had already been diagnosed with Celiac Disease two years prior to that. 

And it wasn't until I went to the Endocrinologist back in September of this year (2024) and after researching all of the time about my diagnosis, I now have discovered that there are known connections to all of the above diseases I now have. 

Typically, diabetes starts first, and then other autoimmune disease are triggered afterwards. In my case I figured my Celiac came first and then everything else followed but thinking back, and with more research, I have now come to the realization that I more than likely first started with type 1 diabetes between 10-15 years ago, which at that time, it was assumed that I had type 2, and I was being treated with oral medications for it. And then I started having symptoms that led me to see a Gastroenterologist which led me to my Celiac diagnosis. I was also diagnosed with non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease at the same time which is also associated with Celiac and then went on to develop Meniere's disease. 

So, now I know that more than likely my type 1 diabetes developed first and several years later my celiac and NAFLD and then the Meniere's came about. although thinking back I feel like I had some Meniere's symptoms at a young age, which makes me wonder if I could have had type 1 diabetes at a younger age versus as an adult, but it was never discovered. I also wouldn't be surprised if I had gluten issues (causes celiac) a lot younger or at least for many years longer than I realize.  

Upon my research I have discovered that all of these diseases are linked to one another. Type 1 diabetes and Celiac are both autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is where your immune system mistakenly damages healthy cells in your body thinking that they are foreign invaders instead. As of now Meniere's is not considered an autoimmune disease but is closely linked to T1d so no wonder I am dealing with it as well. 

One autoimmune can lead to others for a lot of people. But that is because those with either T1d or celiac, along with other autoimmune conditions carry the HLA family of genes that predestine these diseases. And of course I carry these genes. and with Meniere's disease, its known to effect people with T1d. 

It has been a learning curve for sure and a rollercoaster of issues that I am figuring out along the way. And one may think that I must be devastated to find out that I have all of this going on with myself, but I have accepted it even though it's not easy living with them all, I am a warrior and must continue forward in my journey. But truly I am just thankful to know why I have felt sickly all of these years and now know why. 

#type1diabetes #celiacdisease #menieresdisease