The Great D Expedition

Being diagnosed with any of the various types diabetes marks the beginning of a journey into the great unknown.  Into the wilderness you go, seeking answers to so many questions and concerns.  There are many paths to travel; will you choose the right one? What will you find? What adversity will you face? Will you have what it takes to survive the journey?

Much like Meriwether Lewis & William Clark did at the beginning of their great expedition of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory, you form your own “Corps of D-scovery”, consisting of doctors, educators, etc…, to help you chart the best course for the journey.  You put faith and trust in these complete strangers, and expect them to do their job to the fullest. Your life depends on it.

From those who began their journey before you, you hear that there will be high mountains to pass over, like the Bitterroot Mountains that Lewis & Clark crossed, and there will be deep valleys out of which you’ll have to climb. And you know from the outset that there will definitely be some sharp edges to endure.  Oh, and let’s not forget the difficulties that will be faced with financing the expedition and maintaining supplies.

Ultimately, you learn that no two explorers will experience those struggles in the same way, and that you’ll just have to give it your best effort and see how it goes.

And while no two journeys will be the same, there are things that each explorer will need in order to survive: Education, support from family, friends, and fellow explorers, great strength and, as the title of the late Stephen Ambrose book suggests, Undaunted Courage.