Dynelyn Murphy was just 16 years old when her life was completely altered.

Last October, she visited a clinic thinking she had a common cold as she experienced weakness, fatigue and a dry throat. The doctor’s diagnosis shocked her: Type 1 diabetes.

A chronic condition characterised by the pancreas producing insufficient, or no, insulin leading to blood sugar spikes, Type 1 diabetes has no known cure.

While her peers had regular teenage issues to deal with such as peer pressure, exam stress and boy-girl relationships, Dynelyn, a resident of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, had to change her lifestyle to learn to live with her condition.

A lonely journey

After she was first diagnosed, Dynelyn spent a good chunk of time in the hospital. It was not an easy experience, but she remembers the helpful nurses and doctors who walked alongside her.

Effective management of Type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections, dietary control and lifestyle adjustments. Failure to properly treat and control diabetes can lead to severe health complications in the future.

Following her discharge from the hospital, Dynelyn began to feel the weight of loneliness. “Everyone tried to empathise with me, but no one truly understood me,” she shared.

At 16, Dynelyn discovered she had Type 1 Diabetes after visiting a clinic for what she thought was just a common cold. She was then hospitalised for treatment whilst having to learn how to live with the disease.

Now, having adjusted to her new lifestyle as a diabetic, Dynelyn feels empowered to talk about diabetes and hopes that anyone diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, especially young patients, will have adequate support in their journey. 

“If I could turn back time, I wish there were more people that I could turn to or people whom I could relate to. It was quite a lonely journey,” she admitted.

Her experience has ignited in her a new compassion for other Type 1 diabetes patients, especially younger ones, and she wants to assure them that they are not alone.

“I don’t want other young patients going through what I went through. I want to do my part to raise awareness of the disease and help others who are on the same journey. They don’t need to feel alone.”

Getting through diabetes as a family

After receiving the diagnosis, Dynelyn underwent hospitalisation for initial treatment. Her father remained by her side while her mother cared for her siblings, worked and ensured essential items were sent to Dynelyn and her father.

Dynelyn’s father, Murphy, stayed with the young teenager throughout her time at the hospital while her mother continued to work and care for her other siblings. It was a trying time for the family, but they pulled through.

Once back home, Dynelyn had to acquire the skills of self-administering insulin injections, monitoring her blood sugar levels and managing her diet independently.

Recognising that sugar is the primary adversary for diabetes, her entire family made a concerted effort to reduce their sugar and carbohydrate intakes during meals. They also worked diligently to adopt healthier eating habits to support Dynelyn.

Learning to celebrate life and embrace gratitude, Dynelyn appreciates her parents, Murphy and Jacqueline, and her two younger sisters, Darylyn and Daisylyn, more than ever today.

“I genuinely felt sorry for my siblings because they adored sugary treats and sweets. However, due to my condition, they had to restrict the consumption of their favourite foods,” she said.

Practising self-control

Managing any illness requires a change in lifestyle and habits. For Dynelyn, she had to grow to have more self-control when it came to food.

“I used to love snacking but I’ve sacrificed that. Before this, I didn’t even think about ‘blood sugar’, but now that’s always on my mind,” she admitted.

Sporty and active, Dynelyn (wearing WD vest) is embracing the little joys of life again. She has been in her school’s netball team for several years, and the diagnosis has not deterred her from continuing her passion for the sport.

She has made significant adjustments to her lifestyle, for example by ensuring she stays hydrated and restricting her food portions and the types of food she consumes.

Dynelyn is also disciplined in measuring her blood sugar levels regularly – before and after a meal – and self-administers insulin jabs when her blood sugar level spikes. “I play the role of my own pancreas now,” she said. 

As she contemplates the measures needed to maintain her physical well-being, she recognises that they mirror the requirements for nurturing a healthy spiritual life.

“In the physical, I needed to practice self-control and discipline in the choice and amount of food I consumed. It helped me maintain optimum physical health. In the same way, spiritually, I had to intentionally cling to God and be disciplined in my devotions to stay spiritually alive and well,” Dynelyn shared.

A tangible and real relationship with God is what has kept Dynelyn emotionally and spiritually afloat.

“If I didn’t have God with me, I would probably be in a dark place now battling loneliness and thoughts of giving up. I don’t know what I’d do without Him,” she shared.

“But with God, I have hope that even through tough times, there is a purpose. I feel purposeful!”

Say a little prayer

While Dynelyn has managed to navigate the physical aspects of her diabetic condition, she acknowledges that there are still many emotional ups and downs.

Studies show that patients with Type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of mental health issues due to rapid changes in blood sugar levels, which causes mood swings, anxiety and fatigue.

The diagnosis itself can also take a mental toll on individuals, causing them to feel depressed, anxious, stressed or worried. This is known as ‘‘diabetes distress”.

Dynelyn acknowledges her friends for not treating her differently after her diagnosis, instead supporting her in both emotional and practical ways.

Dynelyn herself has experienced numerous emotional breakdowns. The impact on her mental and emotional health became particularly overwhelming after her hospitalisation, which led her to isolate herself from others for a period of time.

She recalls feeling irritated by well-intentioned words of encouragement from those around her. However, a sign she came across provided a moment of revelation: “You are expecting things in your life, but have you asked God?”

Dynelyn realised that she had been dwelling in self-pity and passively waiting for miracles to happen without actively seeking God through prayer.

“God was reminding me to talk to Him. My prayer was nothing grand and the first time I verbally prayed, it felt a little awkward. It’s like you haven’t spoken to a friend in a while,” she said with a laugh. “But once I got past that initial prayer, I began seeking God more and more. I sensed God’s strength and guidance in my daily life.”

That nudge to say a prayer reignited Dynelyn’s spiritual life and even transformed her daily routine.

“I went from being lazy and unproductive to waking up early, doing skincare, having a daily routine, doing my devotion and even finishing a book! My blood sugar levels were controlled. God restored my life,” she testified.

Grateful for the little things

Though it has been a challenging season, learning to cope with Type 1 diabetes has made Dynelyn undergo a personal transformation. For one, she has become more determined.

“I now know that there is more I want to do in life. I used to not be a ‘study person’ but now I’m more focused on my academics, interests and getting things done,” she said.

“This journey has taught me to be purposeful in everything I do,” said Dynelyn.

However, the most profound shift within her lies in her newfound appreciation for life itself. She has learned to treasure each moment, realising that every breath is a precious gift from God.

“I’m learning to cherish my life and be grateful for the little things. Health is a gift from God and breath comes from Him. This journey has taught me to be purposeful in everything I do,” she shared.

Dynelyn ardently hopes that, like herself, young diabetes patients can also find their path to God and experience the transformative power of God in their lives.

RELATED STORIES:

“There’s no fear of death, my life is in God’s hands”: The Hiding Place’s Pastor Philip Chan as he battles liver cancer

“Nigel and Donavan, one day we’ll meet again,” say parents of boys in tragic Tampines accident