Let’s dia-these-betes

JUSTISIA SHIPENA
Betty Fortunato

Living with type 1 diabetes ever since she was diagnosed with it at 8 years old, Edwadine Appollis (a student currently studying AS levels) tells us how she copes with diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is the most severe type of diabetes which means it requires the use of insulin which is injected into the body; either on the thigh, the stomach area or the arm. Edwadine uses only two specific insulins and prefers injecting it into her thigh.

This medication needs to be taken twice a day, every day in the morning and evening after a meal. Edwadine usually feels signs which indicate whether her sugar level is too high or too low. When her sugar levels are too high, she needs to inject herself with 5 units of insulin and if her sugar levels are too low, she needs to eat a sweet in order to regulate the sugar levels in her body.

Edwadine often leaves school only to be hospitalized, due to her sugar levels becoming too high or too low. People also show concern, when they offer her food since they are never sure if she may eat it or not.

Edwadine explains that it was more difficult to deal with diabetes when she was younger. “When you get older, you get used to it, but at a younger age, I needed assistance from my parents because I could not do it by myself.”

There are not really any restrictions in terms of food consumption, but she is required to eat the right proportions of food. Another risk, is that she may consume foods that are rich in glucose and starch. This could severely interfere with the sugar levels of the blood, either causing them to increase or decrease.

Type 1 diabetes has never been an excuse for Edwadine to cancel her goals. She was the head girl of 2019 and took on all the duties expected from a head girl. She also not allowed her condition to interfere with her studies, and we believe Edwadine will one day excel her career. She is our role model!