kate rinn

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Kate was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on November 15, 2021, when she was 10 years old. It was scary and overwhelming, and Kate remembers feeling very thin but constantly hungry — her body trying to tell her something was wrong long before she had the words to understand it. 

Since her diagnosis, Kate has had to learn how to manage diabetes every single day, even during the moments other kids don’t have to think twice about. One of her biggest challenges is having to take insulin every time she wants to eat, figuring out what she’ll be having, and doing the calculations that come with it. It’s a lot of work, and sometimes it’s just plain annoying. 

Over time, living with diabetes has shaped Kate in powerful ways. She’s become more aware of her food choices, and she’s also grown more confident — even becoming less scared of needles as she’s learned what her body needs and how to take care of herself. 

Kate is also a busy, active kid who loves being on the move. She plays hockey, soccer, and badminton, and she loves being on the slopes too — skiing and now learning how to snowboard. 

Kate’s message to someone newly diagnosed is honest and hopeful: there will be good days and bad days, but you can still do everything you did before your diagnosis. And if you can go to D-Camps, she says to absolutely do it. 

Kate loved her D-Camps experience. She was able to meet other kids living with diabetes, talk openly about what it’s like, and feel less alone. She also learned important skills there — including how to do her own insulin — building independence and confidence that will stay with her long after camp ends. 

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