Living with T1D for 25 Years: Philippe's Inspiring Journey

Philippe: Living "With"

Philippe, 48 years old, single and originally from Arlon, Belgium, straightforwardly announces: "The hardest part is understanding that this diagnosis is forever. Your whole life, until the end." Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 19 during a simple medical visit as part of his construction engineering studies, he recalls the initial shock: "The day I was told I was insulin-dependent, I felt like my life was collapsing. I was sad, downcast. But after that day, I lived like anyone else: I went to student parties, often with excesses. I did a lot of sports and went on ski vacations... And in 25 years, I've never had any problems: I live with it!"

Philippe, the "Cyborg"

Overcoming the Fear of Injections

"I have a hypo, I'll call you back!"

De-demonizing the Disease to Live Better

For Philippe, the key is not to dramatize. "This disease has pushed me to adopt a certain lifestyle. The more regular I am, the better it is. I must continue to live fully and see the positive aspects." He also emphasizes the role of emotional state on diabetes: "Stress or sadness directly affects my glycemic curves. Conversely, if everything is fine, they are much more stable. This disease, this companion that follows me daily, I don't want to give it too much attention, just what it needs. My doctor really managed to convey this vision of de-demonizing the disease, to compose 'with'."