Sarah Gomm (16) has been living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) for nearly 13 years; diagnosed at age four.
My family knew something was wrong with me due to my symptoms of thirst and weight loss, etc. They took me to the doctor and I was immediately sent to the hospital where I was diagnosed with T1D. I spent a few nights in hospital where my family and I learnt all the ins and outs of T1D.
For the next eight years, I did insulin injections and finger pricks. My mom would come to my school during break to do my injections until I was able to do them myself.
The past five years, I’ve been fortunate enough to use a CGM and insulin pump, which I’ve found to assist in lowering my HbA1c and improve my overall control.
As I get older, I’m becoming a lot more responsible managing my diabetes and it’s made me a very independent person.
However challenging T1D can be, I still count it as a blessing. I have experienced so many amazing things I never would have, it’s made me mature and, most importantly, I’ve met so many amazing people.
T1D does not define me, though, it has made me the person I am today, and for that I am grateful!