Nikki

 

Nikki was diagnosed with Type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes at age seven. One year later, Nikki is very good at knowing how many carbohydrates are in the food she eats so she can counteract them with insulin. That way her blood sugar doesn't get too high. When it's too low, she needs sugar.

 

Diabetes has certainly changed Nikki's life, but she says it's important to not get frustrated about it. Below Nikki tells us more:

 

Could you explain what Type 1 diabetes is?

I'll try to explain it the short way. My pancreas stopped working, and the pancreas is what puts out insulin. Since I don't produce anymore insulin, I need man-made insulin. And I have to test my blood sugar so I don't go all over the place.

 

How do you test your blood sugar?

When I test I'm doing a simple finger blood test to see how much regular sugar is still floating in my bloodstream instead of being let into my cells.

 

How many times do you check each day?

I'd say about six to eight times.

 

You were also hospitalized at Phoenix Children's. Why was that?

I had to stay there a couple of months ago when I had a stomach virus. I couldn't eat and had to get an IV.

 

Was that related to your diabetes?

Well, since I couldn't hold any food down I couldn't keep my sugar up, so I had to go the Hospital and get sugar water through my IV.

 

What is it like having diabetes at school?

I guess it's pretty easy to deal with at school, but it feels a little different to go the nurse's office every day.

 

How has diabetes changed your life?

It's definitely very time consuming, so I find myself frustrated at wasting all this time. And it's a lot harder with eating because I can't just eat something … I can't just eat whatever I want.

 

What would you say about Phoenix Children's Hospital?

The nurses are really nice and that was good. I feel that I got good care there and I would trust them for something else.

 

What advice would you give to other kids who get diagnosed with diabetes?

Probably to not feel frustrated with it, and try not to think about having it too much. You shouldn't feel like you're not normal.