Meet Margaret: Doing What You Love with Type 1 Diabetes

I was diagnosed at 10 years old. My parents saw I was losing a lot of weight, and I looked very sick. I played soccer and I wasn't able to keep up anymore. My mom took me to the doctor and that’s when we found out I have type 1 diabetes: a scary thing that I didn’t understand. My friend’s dad had type 2 diabetes, so I understood some, but not the full extent. I was shown how to use an insulin pen and to check my blood sugar and went home. I was terrified I couldn’t play soccer anymore; I love soccer. But I continued, and with close monitoring and good management I’ve been able to continue playing soccer and play at the collegiate level. I am now a college freshman getting my major in health promotion and working toward a career in diabetes. I now see my doctors on a regular basis who help me make sure I can manage well and still play soccer. My A1C is now 5.3. I hope to be an inspiration to other young diabetics, showing them that having diabetes doesn’t stop you from reaching your goals and doing what you love.