CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Leeza was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) when she was just 13 months old, so she does not remember life before diabetes. What she does remember, however, is growing up feeling different and alone as the only person living with T1D in her school. Even from a young age, Leeza learned that diabetes could feel isolating, especially when no one around her truly understood what daily life with diabetes required.
One of Leeza’s biggest challenges is the mental and physical weight diabetes can carry over time. She has experienced lost sleep, the stress of managing blood sugar levels, and the challenge of working while navigating highs and lows. Like many people living with diabetes, she also carries worry about long-term complications, especially when those fears have been repeated and emphasized throughout her life.
Leeza has found strength through connection and community. D-Camps have played an important role in her journey, helping her meet lifelong friends and reminding her she is not alone. She also values the support of her online diabetes community, a group of people who understand the reality of living with T1D and show up for one another through every high, low, and everything in between.
Leeza is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and support D-Camps. She hopes her story helps others feel seen and reminds people that diabetes is not something anyone should have to face alone.
Leeza’s message is encouraging and full of hope. A diabetes diagnosis can be difficult, but you can still live a full life and make your dreams come true.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
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