Katelyn was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on February 23, 2007, at the age of 6. Her mum had noticed some unusual habits, and after a trip to the doctor's office, they confirmed she had type 1 diabetes. It was off to Sick Kids Hospital to learn how to manage this new diagnosis. It was quite the learning curve for her parents, who had to learn how to dose insulin, take and read blood sugars, and administer insulin. For Katelyn, it was a big change, having to become a "human pin cushion." They called her a trouper at the hospital, but it didn't take long for her to start running from needles at home or locking herself in the bathroom to escape them.
No one in Katelyn's family had diabetes, and they didn't know anyone else who did either, so it definitely felt isolating and overwhelming at times. She gives all the credit to her parents in those early years for waking up multiple times throughout the night to check her blood sugars, labeling lunches with carbs, giving injections, monitoring her blood sugars during sports, and always encouraging her to try new activities, sports, travel, and foods despite having type 1 diabetes.
Katelyn loves to play sports, try new things, plan events, come up with fun theme ideas, interior decorate, and sing karaoke with friends whenever they get the chance. One of the biggest challenges she faces is speaking up when her blood sugars are not cooperating. Whether it's a low or high blood sugar, she often finds it difficult to let people know she may need to take a step back. She hates feeling like a burden, but it's just a part of dealing with diabetes, and people are always super understanding even when she's apprehensive about speaking up.
Katelyn celebrated her 18th diaversary in February of this year (2025). Her diabetes is an adult now, but it definitely doesn't act like it sometimes!
Having diabetes devices has given Katelyn so much freedom and peace of mind. It's much easier to keep an eye on and manage her blood sugar with her diabetes devices. However, accidentally hitting her diabetes devices on something and it dislodging always happens at the most inconvenient times!
To someone newly diagnosed or struggling with diabetes, Katelyn would say: You are not alone! It can be tough and feel isolating at times, but remember you are more than capable of doing anything you set your mind to, despite having diabetes. You're the driver, and diabetes is just that pesky backseat driver—keep your eyes on your goals and you'll make it. Not to say there won't be bumps in the road, but hey, it's character building, right?!
Camp gave Katelyn a life-changing experience, and she was able to attend thanks to the generous support of donors. She loves any opportunity to connect with others living with diabetes. She attended Camp Huronda in 2009, 2010, and 2012 and is so grateful for the experiences she had there. It gave her a newfound sense of independence and a connection with others navigating a new diagnosis.
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