CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Maverick was showing many classic signs of type 1 diabetes (T1D), including frequent urination, extreme hunger, constant thirst, dehydrated skin, and increasing clumsiness and agitation that were out of character for him. The final warning sign was the smell of ketones on his breath.
On August 8, 2021, Maverick’s mom took him to a walk-in clinic after they were unable to get a timely appointment with their family doctor. The physician suspected a gastrointestinal infection and ordered lab work, but Maverick’s mom insisted on testing for T1D. The results came back with evidence of diabetes.
Unable to secure quick follow-up care, the family went to the emergency department the next day. Maverick was admitted for six days while his parents completed diabetes training and quickly learned how to manage his care.
Maverick was only four years old at the time and remembers very little about his diagnosis or hospital stay. What he does remember is making his Beads of Courage and cruising the hospital halls on his imaginary white motorcycle. That part was clearly the highlight of his stay.
One of Maverick’s biggest challenges is that diabetes is a 24/7 job. He has to manage blood sugar levels during the day and even at night. Diabetes comes along everywhere, including school, holidays, vacations, and parties. It is always part of the ride.
Living with diabetes has shaped Maverick into someone far more resilient than his years would suggest. From a very young age, he has learned how to do hard things. Checking blood sugar, getting pokes, adjusting to changes, and then continuing on anyway has taught him perseverance, patience, and courage.
When Maverick grows up, he wants to be a YouTuber. His brother says he can only do that as a side job and has to have a “real job,” which Maverick finds hilarious.
Maverick’s message to anyone newly diagnosed is confident and reassuring. It is going to be okay. You will learn how to manage it, and there are many tools and technology options that can help. He also has one very important piece of advice. Save some of your candy and treats for when your blood sugar is low.
Maverick attended diabetes family camp, where he tried activities he normally would not, made new friends, and became best buddies with a few camp counselors. Camp helped him feel supported and celebrated.
Maverick is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help raise awareness and show that even the smallest kids living with diabetes are capable of courage, confidence, and joy.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
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