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I am 17 years old! I have had Type One Diabetes for 13 years alongside my dad, who had begun his battle in 1986 at just 3 years old. I am a Christian and I enjoy attending my youth group, teaching Sunday school and church with my family and friends. I love spending time with my family and friends, I am without a doubt blessed with the best! I adore working with kids, and I plan on becoming a school teacher after high school. I am a competitive dancer, which has blessed me with several incredible opportunities to travel and meet incredibly talented people from around the world. This last year I completed a solo dedicated to T1D that earned a scholarship to dance in Disney with the Walt Disney World Lightning Elite Performance team! My choreographer did an excellent job of not only displaying the hardship tied to type one diabetes but also the beautiful testimony behind each insulin pump, insulin injection, CGM, etc. Each device holds countless testimonies of bravery and resilience that are deserving of celebration! Following my attendance as a leader in training at a camp for diabetic children this past summer, an inclination to enhance my contribution to spreading diabetes awareness had formed. The definition of bravery is found in each of those campers and staff, which has inspired me to explore ways to expand Type 1 diabetes awareness and expand my participation in the T1D community! As a former JDRF ambassador at the age of 5 years old (2012), I figured that it was the perfect opportunity to do so!
Share your personal experience with Type 1 Diabetes
I was diagnosed at the age of 4, subsequently displaying the 4 T’s of Type One diabetes (thirsty, thinner, tired and toilet.). Diabetes has impacted my daily life and has proven itself to be a challenge, consequently resulting in severe burnout. Watching diabetes strain my dad’s health from the same disease we share is despondent; however, type one diabetes has yet to steal our joy, passion, and drive. My dad continues to defy the restrictions diabetes attempts to enforce, and I hope that one day I accumulate half the strength that he has. Diabetes has granted me several opportunities, such as serving as an ambassador at the age of 5 for JDRF, being an ambassador for Breakthrough T1D, serving as a Dexcom warrior, attending a camp for kids with T1D, and performing a dance lyrical solo titled Dear Type One. Type one diabetes has played a significant role in my life since before I can remember, and I am determined to rewrite the narrative for T1Ds and create a better tomorrow for those living with it.
How do you think living with Type 1 Diabetes affects mental health for young people?
The mental exhaustion associated with type one diabetes is half of the fight! You become your own nurse from the minute you are diagnosed. The constant reminder that you are different, as each beep becomes louder and each comment cuts deeper. The constant care and attention correlated to diabetes care often damages the relationship individuals with the disease express. Lack of motivation for diabetes care is a common symptom of burnout that is often found in many diabetics. The absence of an escape from diabetes often creates a sense of defeat. As we become fixated on achieving the perfect A1C, each glucose reading exceeding or below target can cause a sense of failure to cloud our heads. It is so important to recognize that maintaining ample care of your diabetes does not mean your blood glucose will be 100% perfect all of the time.
Type One diabetes is extremely difficult to manage, and out-of-range readings are inevitable. Exercising kindness to yourself as you reflect upon your readings is crucial. As a teenager with type one diabetes, feelings of isolation and lassitude often flood my head; however, as I have grown and explored my disease, I have altered my viewpoint regarding my disease, as I truly believe resilience and perseverance are both superpowers found in each type one diabetic. Difficult days will always be present; however, optimal strength is shown in those moments, and the wins regarding diabetes will exceed the shadows of the dark.
What are some common emotional challenges you face, or have faced, as a result of managing your diabetes?
I was hospitalized with an eating disorder in the summer of 2024 due to the significant burden that accompanies Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes had never managed to leave my focal point as the countless needles pierced my skin, and the heightened sense of carb counting consumed my mind. However, the moment I was informed that the hospital stay had the potential to interfere with my final year of school and competitive dance, a spark had ignited in me to redefine my relationship with type one diabetes. I was told my stay could exceed two months; however, thanks to God, my wonderful doctors, family, and friends, I was out of the hospital promptly. I had returned to dance the day following discharge, and I performed in Disney World with the Lightning Elite performance team just two months later.
What strategies or activities do you use to cope with the mental health challenges related to diabetes?
My faith has guided me through every shadow of my entire life. Through prayer I have been able to conquer each endeavor presented my way. You will often find me reading my Bible or dancing to alleviate the burden my struggle with mental health has created. Dancing has served as a primary outlet with regard to navigating the tribulation that accompanies the disease. It has provided an alternate world to enter as the music guides each step. I have found incredible comfort in the T1D community and growing in fellowship with my diabetic and nondiabetic friends! One of my closest friends is type one diabetic, and the bond we share is like no other. We share our struggles and elevate one another with words of encouragement and support. Spending time with my friends and family has always been at the forefront of my life as they serve as a pillar of support and a ray of sunshine on rainy days!
Tell us a bit about your support system
My support system is second to none, whether it is providing aid during a low blood sugar, holding my hand during a site change, etc., they are on top of it. They continue to expand their knowledge on the disease as they love and support me through my battle. They erase the isolation that is often felt. and they allow me to be myself, beyond diabetes. There are far too many people to mention by name, which is a testament to how many incredible people have impacted my life. The Stollery Children’s Hospital, as well as the U of A hospital, has played a crucial role in getting me to where I am today. Without the constant support from Jesus, my family medical team, dance studio, school teachers, church, and friends, I would not be where I am today. They are all Diasuperheroes!!!
Have you experienced stigma or misunderstanding related to Type 1 Diabetes and its effects on mental health? How do you address this situation?
Unfortunately, misinformation and lack of education regarding the disease are extremely common issues. Many people believe the false rumor that T1D is a result of poor health choices, prompting harmful comments. Insecurity used to flood my body as each beep pierced the air, and others would turn to stare. I have spent many days wishing that I would be seen beyond the beep of my Dexcom. However, through introspection, I have discovered that the beep of my Dexcom is a small piece of who I am! The beeping sound serves as an opportunity to not only spread awareness regarding T1D but also to share the incredible opportunities that accompany the disease! Type one diabetes is often overlooked in terms of the difficulty surrounding it, leading many to brush off the struggles faced by my T1Ds daily. When I am faced with a scenario similar to those listed above, I utilize the opportunity to abolish poor understanding of the disease and to enlighten others on diabetes education.
Why do you think it’s important for youth ambassadors to speak about mental health in relation to chronic illnesses like diabetes?
I believe representation must be prevalent to eliminate isolation and encourage confidence. There is a direct correlation between the quality of your mental and physical health. Mental health is often neglected due to the extreme attention to a type one diabetic’s physical health; however, it becomes increasingly more challenging to meet the needs of your physical health when burnout is apparent. Seeing fellow T1Ds conquering the disease has played a huge role in my confidence as a T1D and motivation to continue fighting. Instilling confidence in T1Ds young and old, is extremely important and holds the potential to inspire T1DS as well as non-T1Ds!
Are there specific resources, tools, or communities you recommend for young people trying to manage their diabetes and mental health?
I highly recommend exploring camps designed for kids and youth with the disease, as engaging with fellow T1Ds is second to none!
What advice would you give to other young people with Type 1 Diabetes who might be struggling with their mental health?
Type one diabetes is a conjoint battle of the mind, soul, and body. It is crucial to be kind to yourself as you face each mountain before you, as it is such a difficult mountain to climb. It is important to acknowledge that there are countless individuals admiring your resilience as you continue to persist. through each storm. I recommend exploring your interests and finding a way to celebrate your journey as you incorporate your diabetes in a positive light! For example, drawing a character with a Dexcom, writing a poem reflecting the beauty of the disease, etc. Reflect upon your journey and acknowledge that you have survived 100% of your high and low blood sugars. Journal each win as you encounter them and share your success with those you hold close. Type one diabetes is a unique and challenging battle, and someday, if not today, yours will inspire many.