I originally was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the summer of 2008. However, I have had chronic pancreatitis since I was 14 and in January of 2009 finally decided to go through with a total pancreatectomy (getting my pancreas removed) and auto-islet cell transplant. The surgeon during an auto-islet transplant takes all the islet cells he can from my pancreas and harvests them to transplant them into my liver. If successful, the auto-islet cell transplant would allow my liver to grow islet cells which would create insulin and they could live there instead of my pancreas and I wouldn't have to be diabetic. However, I waited too long to go through with the surgery (I should have had it 3 or 4 years ago) and they couldn't salvage enough islet cells (10k when typical is 300-700k... ouch!) so I am now a Type 1 Diabetic.

It is a struggle learning to deal with Type 1. I had a much easier time with Type 2, and even though I was on a stricter diet I didn't have to deal with insulin shots and hypoglycemia. I have a tough time dealing with the lows, and counting carbs, and am thinking about a pancreas transplant. I cannot get one for a year, so perhaps once I go on the pump and get a CGMS (was recently denied because they said I needed to be a pumper, but I just got my Omnipod so it's in appeal) I will be stable enough and am able to manage the Diabetes where I won't have to have another drastic surgery. I am at this point leaning towards the transplant, but only time will tell!

Update June 10th: I am living an easier life now that I'm pumping! I love my Omnipod and have received my Dexcom system, but am waiting for the training next week. I have to admit it's been sitting here for at least a month but have been so busy I haven't been able to get the training in! I am hoping it will help with the spikes though and improve my A1C!

Update February 17th 2010: I'm still loving my OmniPod! However, I just realized, being insulin dependent is EXPENSIVE! I just started buying my own insulin, pods, and Dexcom sensors myself (I hit my out of pocket max last year after my surgery and thus everything was covered until the new plan year started), and in the last couple months have spent almost $1k out of pocket! Wowzers! I know that's not news for you all that have had to struggle with this for years but it was a big shock to me.... Now I realize I have to learn to add this to my monthly expenses!
Besides the cost, I am doing well managing my Diabetes, but instead now of having lows often, I am having a ton of highs. I think I need to start going back to my Type 2 diet- I am being way too liberal with my carb intake. However, I love rice and bread and pasta :( Argh. My A1C after starting the OmniPod has not improved :(
I love my Dexcom 7+! It has really helped me keep track of my highs and lows. I have been saved numerous times while sleeping! This product is a Godsend. That is all for now! I haven't been too active in the last 6 months but hope to start again.
Oh, and I found work again :) Now working at Best Buy corporate doing search engine marketing. I love it!