March 4, 2017, is a date I will never forget. It was exactly one week after my birthday, and I was a nine-year-old girl who practically lived in the gym, training more than 20 hours a week as a competitive gymnast. I was strong, determined and constantly moving even though I had felt something off in the past 11 months. I was drinking water nonstop, getting up in the middle of the night to chug upwards of 32oz in one sitting, running to the bathroom every few minutes and eating everything in sight, yet I kept losing weight.
That Saturday morning before a six-hour practice and a week before a big meet, I woke up and realized I had wet the bed. As a nine-year-old, I was embarrassed and confused. I went to my mom and told her what happened. She was immediately concerned. My dad has Type 2 diabetes, so my mom asked him to check my blood sugar using his glucometer. It was 600.
It was 5 a.m., and we did not know what that number really meant, so my mom waited until the doctor’s office opened to call. The moment she spoke to my doctor, he told us to go to the hospital immediately. My mom said she did not know much about diabetes at the time, but that morning had been “a tug on her heart,” like God was speaking to her. Looking back, I believe that, too. That day changed my life forever, in a way I never could have imagined.
At the hospital, I learned I had Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not caused by sugar or diet, and it is not preventable. I remember being confused because I thought diabetes was something only older or overweight people had. That is one of the biggest misconceptions people with diabetes still face. Many do not understand that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are completely different, and that no one “causes” their own diagnosis.
The first year after my diagnosis is honestly a blur. I was trying to adjust to giving insulin, counting carbs, and constantly checking my blood sugar while also battling emotions I did not understand. The hardest part was not the needles or the food changes, but accepting my diagnosis and facing the mental health struggles that came with it.
According to the National Library of Medicine, children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to those without the condition. Living with diabetes means that you have to make over 190 more health related decisions a day. It’s not a part time disease, it is constant. It is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that pressure can take a big toll. For me, it led to anxiety, depression and feelings of being different from everyone else my age.
What got me through was my incredible support system, including my family, my diabetic friends, my endocrinologist and most importantly, my faith. My mom always told me, “God gives His hardest battles to His strongest warriors.” That quote has stayed with me ever since. It reminded me that even when I felt weak, God had a purpose for me.
Over time, I learned to take control of my diabetes instead of letting it control me. I also learned that no one with an autoimmune condition should have to face it alone. Studies by the National Institute of Health have shown that people with autoimmune diseases who have strong social support experience better health outcomes and higher emotional well-being. That is exactly why Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma (DSOK) has been such a blessing in my life.
DSOK is a nonprofit organization that provides education, support and community for people living with Type 1 diabetes across Oklahoma. Their summer camps and events have been truly life-changing. At camp, kids can check their blood sugar, give insulin and still have fun, surrounded by people who completely understand what it is like to live with diabetes. It is a place where no one feels different or alone.
Through DSOK, I have met some of my best friends, people who truly understand what life with diabetes is like. The friendships I have made there are lifelong, built on shared experiences, empathy, and strength. These are people who remind me that I am not fighting this battle by myself.
I now volunteer with DSOK throughout the year, helping at summer camps and other events. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Volunteering with DSOK not only allows me to give back, but it also helps me connect with others who are walking the same path I once was. For students looking to make a real impact, DSOK is a great way to earn service hours while helping others.
With all of this said, I am not perfect. I still struggle — a lot. There are days when diabetes feels overwhelming and frustrating, but the difference now is that I feel in control, instead of the disease controlling me. I have learned that strength does not mean being perfect. It means showing up every day and doing your best, even when it is hard.
Today, I do not see diabetes as something that limits me. I see it as something that shaped me. It has taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of community. Living with Type 1 diabetes has given me a voice and a purpose, to advocate, to educate and to inspire others who might feel like they are facing this battle alone.
This Diabetes Awareness Day, I want people to remember that understanding makes a difference. Learn the facts. Support local organizations like DSOK, and most of all, never underestimate the power of kindness and community. Behind every insulin pump or glucose monitor is a person doing their best to live a full and healthy life.
If you are interested in getting involved and receiving service hours you can learn more at www.dsok.net. We love all the help you have to offer!
