Tonight's "True Life" explored the stories of three young people who struggled to properly manage their diabetes. Kristyn moved back home because her medical expenses were becoming too high, Matt didn't want to give up drinking to control his blood sugar and Jen discovered she was both pregnant and Type 2 in the same day (later, becoming Type 1). We had an opportunity to check in with them to find out how their lives have changed since filming wrapped--take a look at the follow-up Q&As below:
KRISTYN
What are you up to now?
I am still working to pay down the rest of my debt. I quit my second night job after my promotion at my day job to dedicate more time to myself. I recently got a pretty nice bonus at work so I was able to pay off the rest of my insulin pump and two of my credit cards!
How is your apartment search going?
The best financial decision at the moment is to get all of my bills paid off before trying to add any additional expenses to my current budget. I hope to be out by mid-2012.
How did your relationship change with your mother while filming with us?
My relationship with my mom improved during the filming. We had never addressed my issues with finances and diabetes out loud, and the filming really made us talk about it and come to an agreement. She is still managing my finances and has been a great help in paying down my debt.
MATT
What are you up to now?
I'm starting my second semester of my junior year. I'm working on a diabetes-inspired project and as a photographer.
Are you still drinking and partying?
I'm still drinking and going out, but school is definitely my first priority, so I've cut back on drinking because I want to save money to do a little traveling in the future. I haven't had any major health issues; no extreme highs or lows either.
What was it like sharing your story with us?
Sharing my story was a little strange, mostly scary. I've always been open about my disease with my friends, who really know and understand me, so thinking about the public, especially other diabetics, was sort of nerve-racking. I think my intention was to be an example of some sort, whether it be bad or good. Throughout the whole process I learned some things about myself that maybe I wouldn't have if I hadn't participated.
JEN
What are you up to now?
Right now I'm just being the best mommy I can be to Jeremiah who's a healthy big boy. I'm about to celebrate my one-year anniversary with Corey.
How has your life changed since you were officially diagnosed with Type 1?
I've been hospitalized over 5 times for high blood sugar since I was diagnosed, and I'm now able to get an insulin pump. The doctors now consider me disabled until my diabetes gets under control. When I was diagnosed with type 2, I had faith that if I lost weight, my diabetes might go away, but now I have to deal with the fact I'm a diabetic for the rest of my life.
Have you begun to make healthier choices with your diet?
My choices of food have gotten better. I eat whole wheat everything. I try to tell everyone that it's not going to happen overnight.
Is it hard to balance being a new mom with taking care of your diabetes?
I was scared at first that I wasn't going to be able to take care of Jeremiah and make sure I eat healthy and take my insulin. It was hard at first.
What was it like sharing your story with us?
Putting my story on MTV was surreal. I still can't believe I put my health, my pregnancy and most of my labor out there, but the show was like my therapy. When I found out I was diabetic I didn't like to talk about it to my friends and people in general, but the show had me open up a lot.
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