After my son’s diagnosis, I lost a lot of sleep because I was afraid his blood sugar would drop during the night. Once we received training for CGM and insulin pumps, life became more accessible. When he’s sick, I worry that he may develop Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). I also tend to be more cautious and aware of things than before. One positive point is that we’ve changed our lifestyle habits, such as having a healthier diet.
The aspect that interests me the most about diabetes is access to care and education. We live in what is considered a rural part of the country. Our options for almost everything, including diabetes supplies, are limited.
For the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to volunteer at the Friends for Life (FFL) conference, which Children with Diabetes (CWD) sponsors. I attend local events when our schedules allow it. My goal is to start a non-profit organisation to help people living with diabetes understand and know their rights, access supplies and other resources, and find assistance.
As an IDF Blue Circle Voice, I will have the chance to tell my story and share my experiences with others who may be going through some of the same issues. Minorities are underrepresented in diabetes advocacy, so I will ensure that more black and brown experiences are shared and that we are included in decision-making processes. Although I am starting as a diabetes advocate, my insight and knowledge will spread awareness of type 1 diabetes in my community.
“After my son's diagnosis, I lost a lot of sleep because I was afraid his blood sugar would drop during the night. Once we received training for CGM and insulin pumps, life became more accessible. One positive point is that we've changed our lifestyle habits, such as having a healthier diet. ”
