Type 1 Diabetes [T1D] is a dynamic and often misunderstood condition. While many are familiar with Type 2 Diabetes – typically associated with lifestyle choices – T1D is an autoimmune disease, commonly linked to genetic markers and environmental triggers. Individuals living with T1D are unable to produce insulin on their own and rely on injections or a pump to manage blood sugar. For some, including the ambassadors in this article, the diagnosis experience can be sudden and scary; something Breakthrough T1D is working to rectify through early detection and increased awareness.
According to Breakthrough T1D, common symptoms include: Frequent urination, extreme thirst, fruity odor on the breath, increased appetite, fatigue, sudden vision changes, and unexplained weight loss.
Sutton Hobbs, 9yo
Sutton loves cheerleading and golf, though cheer is her favorite. She was diagnosed at five years old and remembers the day saying, “My stomach hurt really bad. Now, when I’m low [glucose], some things taste really sour.” For Sutton, one of the most difficult things about living with T1D is explaining her devices. She wears her continuous glucose monitor [CGM] and a watch, which sends her and her caregivers alerts when needed. "People are always concerned about me,” she says. “When little kids ask me about it [CGM], I say it's a special bandaid, but when older kids ask me, I’ll actually explain it."
Jackson Grabow, 14yo
Jackson is ahead of the game in T1D advocacy. The high school freshman recently represented Arkansas at Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. “I wrote a one-page essay about my experiences, and they selected 170 kids to go and speak to Congress.” While in D.C., he had the opportunity to meet with representatives to talk about T1D and funding for special diabetes programs. “It’s cool to see our highest officials are still looking to the people for insight,” he said. Jackson was in fifth grade when he received his T1D diagnosis, and remembers a classmate’s experience being a huge help when navigating the change. “He had been diagnosed the year before. We were good friends, so I knew what it was like for him, and we could talk to each other about it.”
Roxana Hutchcroft
Unlike the others in this article, Roxana was diagnosed with T1D as an adult. “I hadn’t been feeling well for a while, and I remember being really thirsty all the time,” she said. “I was later diagnosed with endocarditis, which is likely what led to the diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA].” When Roxanna was unresponsive to messages from friends who knew she was ill, they contacted police to conduct a welfare check, which likely saved her life. Today, she helps others like her as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Springdale. Roxana also serves on the Board of Directors for Breakthrough T1D - Arkansas.
Sandy Rainey
Diagnosed at eight years old, Sandy grew up without the modern tools benefiting those with T1D today. She recalls her mom being her greatest asset. “My mom was pretty aware and kept on it. She boiled syringes, tested my pee, and regulated what I ate, drank, my exercise, and my insulin.” When she was young, doctors said she wouldn’t have kids, but Sandy ended up having three sons, including twins. “When my sugar was low, my kids would say, ‘She’s going banana sandwich!’” Now, with her GCM and a pump, she feels more freedom with her T1D management, but still does what she can to spread awareness.