Lizzy Larsen

Hi, my name is Lizzy, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17 years old, almost 10 years ago, on October 15, 2015. That day, my life changed in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and it marked the beginning of a journey I never expected to take.

It started like any other day. I went in for what I thought was just a routine follow-up appointment for my Graves’ disease. I’d been struggling with symptoms of constant thirst and frequent urination, but I figured it was just part of dealing with the thyroid issue. Little did I know, my doctor would soon be confirming a much bigger concern. After a quick finger prick to check my blood sugar levels, I was sent straight to the 6th floor for IV fluids, insulin, and diabetic education.

At that moment, it hit me: I wasn’t just battling Graves’ disease anymore; I was now facing Type 1 diabetes. It was a lot to process. On top of all that, I was also a cheerleader, and there was a big playoff football game that weekend. As overwhelming as it was, I made it clear to the doctors that I needed to be there. They were incredibly supportive, providing me with the education and care I needed to get out of there in time. And sure enough, I was at that game, doing what I loved, just days after my diagnosis. It was a strange combination of normalcy and new challenges all at once.

Since that day, it’s been a long road of adjusting. From learning how to count carbs, monitor blood sugars, and give myself insulin injections, to navigating the emotional and physical challenges of living with diabetes—it hasn’t been easy. And even now, almost 10 years later, managing this condition can still be tough. There are days when I feel frustrated, and I won’t lie—it’s hard not to let diabetes control my life. But this is a reality I can’t ignore, and I’ve learned over time that the best way to handle it is to keep fighting, keep adjusting, and keep moving forward.

Through it all, I’ve learned so much about resilience, and I’ve found strength I never knew I had. I’ve met others along the way who have shown me the power of community, and the importance of coming together to fight for better understanding and treatment of Type 1 diabetes.