Tazmyn Banadyga

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Tazmyn was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 15 months old, which means she does not remember life without needles, pokes, and daily diabetes care. Growing up with diabetes has always been part of her reality, and instead of letting it hold her back, Tazmyn has fully embraced both her diagnosis and her life. Diabetes has helped shape her into a strong, independent teenager who approaches challenges with confidence and a positive attitude.


Tazmyn’s everyday life is busy and active. She navigates school, training, and coaching while managing her diabetes with the help of an insulin pump and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. Being so active requires constant awareness of her blood sugar, especially during long hours of training. Having access to diabetes technology allows her to train safely and push herself to reach her goals. Tazmyn is often asked questions about her devices by others, especially the young children she coaches, and she proudly explains that they are her “pancreatic brain” that helps keep her alive and well.


Figure skating is the most important part of Tazmyn’s life. She spends every single day at the skating rink, training hard and dedicating herself fully to the sport she loves. Diabetes requires patience, preparation, and advocacy, especially in a demanding sport like skating, but Tazmyn has learned how to listen to her body and speak up for herself. She believes strongly that with the right guidance, patience, and self-advocacy, anything is possible. Diabetes has never stopped her from chasing her dreams.

Outside of her own training, Tazmyn also coaches young children how to skate. She enjoys being a role model and showing younger skaters that having diabetes does not limit what they can achieve. Her confidence and openness help normalize diabetes and empower others to ask questions without fear or stigma.


Tazmyn’s experiences at D-Camps have been especially meaningful to her. One of her most memorable moments was last year when she participated as an LDP1. Working alongside her peers and spending time with the campers brought her so much joy. She loved helping create an environment where campers could simply be kids while feeling understood and supported. Tazmyn is excited to return this season as an LDP2 and continue giving back to a community that means so much to her.


Tazmyn is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and show others living with diabetes that they can live life fully and fearlessly. She believes diabetes is part of her story, but it does not define her—and she hopes her journey inspires others to believe in themselves and their possibilities.


#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma 


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