CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Victoria was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five years old. While she does not remember much from that time, her mom later shared that she went limp in her arms before being rushed to the hospital. One of Victoria’s earliest memories is throwing up something red, which she once believed was blood but later realized was likely from the large amount of sugar she had consumed. She spent 12 days in the hospital learning how to manage her blood sugar, understand her diet, and build the basic skills she needed before going home. During her stay, friends and even her kindergarten teacher visited, which left a lasting impression on her.
Throughout elementary school, Victoria had support to help her calculate carbs and draw up insulin. Managing diabetes became especially challenging in her teenage years, when she wanted independence but felt diabetes constantly took control. Living with type 1 diabetes means always having multiple backup plans for meals and snacks depending on her blood sugars. Even with technology like insulin pods and monitoring devices, disruptions can happen. When devices fail overnight, she can wake up with extremely high blood sugar, leaving her day feeling overwhelming and exhausting.
Victoria describes diabetes as constant mental overload. Simple plans often require adjustment based on blood sugar, food, exercise, and supplies. She has spent years trying to create an emergency kit that holds everything she needs without carrying a large backpack. Wanting to blend in and feel confident, she struggles to balance medical necessities with personal style—something that deeply affects how she shows up in the world.
Living with diabetes has helped Victoria develop a strong connection to her body and emotions. She believes in listening to her body rather than following restrictive diets, and she views diabetes as a lesson in balance, boundaries, and intentional choices. She has always been empathetic and now hopes to support individuals and families living with diabetes who feel discouraged or overwhelmed, helping them see that a full and meaningful life is still possible.
Some of Victoria’s most meaningful moments came from attending diabetic camp. For the first time, she felt normal. Everyone tested, counted carbs, and carried supplies together, allowing her to simply be a kid. Knowing counselors had backups let her run, play, and participate freely.
Victoria is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to share her story and remind others that diabetes is complicated, but manageable. She believes there is strength in resilience, growth in limitations, and power in showing up for yourself every day.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
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