Mackenzie Patterson 

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Mackenzie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2015 at age 21. The diagnosis changed her life instantly. Suddenly she was facing new fears, a new lifestyle, and a future that felt uncertain. It was difficult and traumatic, but she made it through with the support of family, friends, and healthcare professionals. 


Living with T1D comes with physical challenges like fatigue, low energy, stress around low blood sugar, and the feeling of being drained when diabetes is demanding more than usual. It also comes with social challenges, like having to explain diabetes to people who don’t understand, and the emotional weight of wondering what the future will hold. 


Mackenzie says diabetes has made her more mindful of what truly matters. It shifted her perspective toward health, wellness, and prioritizing time with family. She’s learned to care for herself in a deeper way, not because she wants diabetes to control her life, but because she wants her life to be as full as possible. 



Right now, she’s exploring acting and taking classes, leaning into creativity and new experiences. Her message is gentle and real. It gets better. Don’t be afraid to lean on the people who love you. If you’re scared or down, it won’t always feel this way. 


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