Still Standing; Faith, Fatigue and Type 1:
I might be a little scattered right now—just trying everything out—so bear with me as I write my first blog. I’m doing this through a haze of brain fog and fatigue, but I’m here, and I’m writing.
I actually started writing about a month ago… in my head. Why? Because there’s a lot sitting heavy on my heart, and maybe—just maybe—something I share will help someone else. I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for over 34 years. Yeah, I was diagnosed young. It’s been so long, I honestly don’t remember life without it.
Some days, I’m just tired—tired of hearing the same words: diabetes, blood sugar, finger stick, insulin pump, glucose tablets. Exhaustion takes a toll. Other days, though, I feel like I can conquer the world… or at least the ever-growing to-do list.
This past week? A rollercoaster.
My insulin pump got recalled, and I had to get a replacement. Thankfully, Medtronic—who I’ve been with for 24 years now—was quick to respond. They overnighted me the new 780G system, and I truly have nothing but praise for their support.
This pump is a powerhouse of technology. It uses smart algorithms (yes, it really is as fancy as it sounds) to manage my insulin levels. But to run in full automation mode, it needs at least 48 hours of data. That meant, for a few days, I was operating in manual mode—trying to do what the pump does automatically. It’s like being your own pancreas… and if you’ve ever tried that, you know it’s no easy task.
During that window, my blood sugar was unpredictable. I didn’t sleep for two nights. I was on edge, constantly checking, adjusting, calculating. By Saturday, I crashed—hard. I slept and slept. I’d wake up to check my numbers, eat, and then head right back to bed. And honestly? I’ve stopped feeling guilty about the sleep I need. Fatigue, inflammation, brain fog—these are real. This is real life.
I even set my alarm clock wrong and missed church. But in truth, I didn’t have the energy to be there. My body needed rest more than anything else.
Then early Monday morning—12:05 a.m.—SmartGuard finally kicked in. Full automation. I could breathe again. Today is the first day it’s fully active, and I am so incredibly grateful. I can already feel the difference. This pump, this technology—it’s a gift. A grace-filled gift from God that I could have never imaged.
And I’m reminded: look how far God has carried me.
There was a time when this kind of chaos was my normal. Stress, pain, exhaustion—it was all just part of life. And while it’s still not easy, and some days are still heavy, I see how much has changed. I see how much strength I’ve gained. I see how God has held me through it all, even when I didn’t realize it.
No, I don’t deserve His kindness or favor. But He pours it out anyway. And for that, I try—truly try—to stay thankful.
Maybe the hardest moments are where we learn the most. Maybe the chaos is where we discover how to breathe again. Maybe, just maybe, our trials can be reminders of grace.
Thanks for reading. I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m thankful you’re here with me.
Have questions about getting an insulin pump? Email me at sjswiney76@gmail.com or visit
Autoimmune Champion; Living with T1 Diabetes
Suzanne J. Swiney
Diabetes Champion 
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