This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mary Mouser. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Right before my 13th birthday, I was excited to be standing on the cusp of adulthood. I kept saying I wanted to do something I’d never forget.
The universe delivered on that wish, but not in a way I’d ever imagined. A month after my 13th birthday, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Luckily I still got a birthday trip to Disney too, so it wasn’t a total disappointment.
Joking aside, diabetes is my life partner. We’ve been on this journey for more than half my life at this point. I’ve learned from diabetes and with diabetes.
I wish I could go back to that newly minted teenager who was scared and overwhelmed by her diagnosis — I would give her a glimpse of everything she would accomplish, not despite her diabetes but because of it.
Soon after my diagnosis I started using an insulin pump. About nine years ago, I started using the Tandem insulin pump — for which now I’m an ambassador. That’s when things really changed for me. I felt like I had been fighting this battle — now suddenly I had a new coat of armor that would help keep me safe.
Diabetes is a lot to think about, mentally and emotionally. My pump takes away some of that burden.
“Cobra Kai” is a sequel to “The Karate Kid.” My role as Samantha LaRusso is incredibly physical. During high school I was tripping over my own feet and practically flunked physical-education class. But now that I can better manage my diabetes, I’ve become a person who thrives on learning new physical skills.
My pump is fantastic, but I also need people around me who are willing to learn about diabetes and help me manage my illness. Luckily I have that, even in Hollywood.
Filming a tournament scene for season four was particularly grueling. Before the cameras started rolling, I talked to the costume designers about designing a costume that would hide my pump. That gave me the confidence to take on a physically demanding day.
On set, it felt like we were fighting for 12 hours. I was trying to remember my lines and choreography and keep up with the exercise on set. But I had my pump on hand to signal when my sugars were low. The production assistants learned to keep fruit snacks and applesauce in their pockets for those moments when I needed a glucose boost.
I know that at the end of the day it’s up to me to manage this condition. But we’re all on this journey together. Diabetes is a long-term relationship that I’m in. And as with any relationship, communication is key.
I check in with my body constantly. That changes when I take on a new role or move to a new city — like my recent move to New York. Sometimes I’m extra tired or need to take a break on set. Other times I need to run in circles to get energy out.
Diabetes has forced me to get in tune with my body and learn to be present. That skill translated to karate, which allowed my career as an actress to flourish.
I wouldn’t wish Type 1 diabetes on my worst enemy. And sometimes it feels like diabetes is my enemy. But for the most part I’ve learned to make a peaceful coexistence, even friendship, with my condition. Managing diabetes has taught me strength and confidence, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
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