This is part of our Diabetes Stories series, where people living with diabetes share their personal journeys, challenges, and insights.
Hello! Who are you? And tell us a little bit more about your diabetes.
Hey everyone! My name is Ashley Haines. I’m 30 years old, and currently living in Avon Maine, United States. I’ve been living with Type 1 diabetes for 1 year.I’m a 30-year-old single mom of three amazing kids—twin boys who are 8 and a little girl who’s 3. My journey with diabetes began in a very sudden and frightening way. I was found unresponsive on my couch by my best friend and rushed to the hospital by ambulance. When doctors tested my blood sugar, it was in the 1400s, and I was diagnosed in severe diabetic ketoacidosis.
I spent four days in a coma and a total of eleven days in the hospital. At the time, doctors were deeply concerned that my kidneys were shutting down and prepared me for the possibility that I might need dialysis at just 29 years old. Thankfully, one year later, my kidneys have returned to normal function—something I’m incredibly grateful for every day.
I was diagnosed a year ago, so no, I didn’t grow up with diabetes. My diagnosis came later in life and completely changed everything overnight.
The emotional toll was by far the hardest part. Knowing that my kids were the ones who found me unresponsive with a DKA on the couch is something that still weighs heavily on my heart. Recovering wasn’t only about healing physically—it was about processing fear, guilt, and the reality of how close we came to losing everything in a single moment.
“I spent four days in a coma and a total of eleven days in the hospital.”
Your treatment
How do you treat your diabetes, did a lot change over the past years and are you able to manage it well?
Most of my medical support comes from my endocrinologist, who has been guiding me through managing my diabetes since my diagnosis.
Currently, I take two different types of insulin and use a continuous glucose monitor, the Dexcom G7. I’m also in the process of trying to get an insulin pump, but unfortunately my insurance won’t cover it right now. While that’s been frustrating, I’m doing the best I can with the tools I have and continuing to advocate for better access to the technology that would make management easier.
When I was first discharged from the hospital, I had to check my blood sugar before every meal and again before going to bed. It was a strict and overwhelming routine at first. Now that I have a CGM, things feel much more manageable. I usually only do finger-stick checks if I’m feeling low or if I suspect my CGM readings might not be accurate.
Since my diagnosis was so recent, there hasn’t been a long timeline of changes yet. However, even in this short time, moving from constant finger checks to using a CGM has made a positive difference. It’s helped me feel more aware of my body and more confident in managing my diabetes day to day, even as I continue learning and adjusting.
I think I manage my diabetes as well as I can. I have a great support system that is always there for me!
Can you recognize the symptoms of a low/high blood sugar? Do you test often and can you tell a bit more about your experiences with low blood sugar?
Yes, I can recognize when my blood sugar is off. Over time, I’ve learned to listen closely to my body. When my blood sugar drops, I usually start sweating, feel shaky, and notice a tingling sensation in my lips. Those signs are my warning that I need to act quickly.
When that happens, I treat the low with fast-acting carbohydrates to bring my levels back up as safely and quickly as possible.
I did faint from a low blood sugar once, and it was a frightening experience. I remember sweating heavily and feeling intense brain fog—I couldn’t form sentences or think clearly. I tried to call 911 for help, but I couldn’t even dial the number. That moment really showed me how dangerous a severe low can be and how quickly things can escalate if you don’t get help in time.
Since then, I’ve been especially mindful of recognizing symptoms early and responding right away, doing everything I can to prevent that from happening again.
Food and diet
How does your diabetes affect your eating and do you find being on a diet restrictive?
For breakfast, I usually keep things simple with eggs, one piece of toast with peanut butter, and a piece of fruit. Lunch is often a salad with boiled eggs, and dinner varies depending on the day and what works best for my family.
I do snack in between meals. Most of the time, it’s something small like a cheese stick and a handful of nuts—easy options that help keep my energy steady throughout the day. There are also days when I skip meals.
When it comes to insulin, I try to stick to my schedule. Since I’m still learning how different foods affect my blood sugar, consistency helps me understand what causes my levels to rise and what doesn’t.
I’m very intentional about staying hydrated and try to drink at least three liters of water every day. It’s something I prioritize because I know how much it impacts how I feel overall.
I don’t find being on a diabetes diet restrictive. I’ve learned how to adapt my eating in a way that works for me, rather than feeling limited by it. What does bother me, though, is when people assume that having diabetes means I can’t eat the same foods they do. That stereotype gets frustrating. The reality is that I can eat those foods—I just have to take insulin for them. When that happens, I try to speak up and explain, even if it’s tiring sometimes.
Do you have a hard time eating out in a restaurant? And what are you thoughts on making this easier?
Yes, eating out can be difficult for me. I often worry about choosing something that won’t cause my blood sugar to spike, so I usually stick to meals I already know are safe for me. Because of that, eating out doesn’t feel very relaxing—it feels more like a calculation than an experience.
Honestly, I don’t go out to eat very often. One of the biggest reasons is that I feel embarrassed giving myself insulin in public.
When it comes to food I really enjoy, steak is definitely my favorite. If I do eat out, I prefer simple places like Subway or similar spots, where I can clearly see what’s in my food and make choices that feel more predictable and manageable.
“The best advice I can give is to surround yourself with people who truly support you”
Exercise and work
Does your diabetes restrict you from exercise or your daily job?
Diabetes doesn’t stop me from staying active. I try to exercise once or twice a day, and most of the time that means going for walks.
I’m employed at a convenience store. While I enjoy my job, it does come with its own challenges when it comes to diabetes. Being surrounded by snacks and quick foods all day can be tempting, especially during busy or stressful shifts. To manage that, I usually bring my own snacks from home so I’m prepared and less likely to reach for something that could throw my levels off.
Final
Do you have any positive or negative effects because of your diabetes?
The hardest part of living with diabetes is the constant battle of trying to keep my numbers in range. It’s something that never really stops—every meal, every activity, every decision can affect my blood sugar.
At the same time, there’s a powerful perspective that comes with it. The best part, in a way, is knowing that all the things I do every single day—even when they drain me—are keeping me alive.
Diabetes has also caused some additional challenges. After I was released from the hospital, I experienced vision problems, which was scary at the time. The doctors explained that it was likely related to the coma rather than my long-term diabetes.
What is the best advice that you can give to non-diabetics, new diagnosed diabetics and diabetics?
For people who don’t have diabetes, the most important thing I’d say is this: be kind. Living with diabetes is a constant battle, and it takes a lot out of you.
For someone who’s just been diagnosed, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel scared and overwhelmed. Getting all that information at once is exhausting, and the mental toll is real. Try to find a strong support system early on, and don’t be afraid to lean on them.
And for those already living with diabetes, the best advice I can give is to surround yourself with people who truly support you. Find the ones who show up when you need them, who listen without judgment, and who remind you that you don’t have to do this alone. Having that kind of support can make even the hardest days feel a little lighter.
What would you ask the other diabetics?
If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing when you first got diagnosed, what would it be and why?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I can’t wait to hear from you!
Ready to share your story with the world?
At Diabetic Me, we dive into the real-life stories of people living with diabetes, uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Through these powerful stories, we aim to shed light on what it truly means to live with diabetes, offering understanding, inspiration, and support.
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