Arianna Muñoz

Being the only diagnosed person in your family is already tough. But being 10 years old, finally finding footing in 5th grade, after being bullied for so many years. I was born heavier so naturally, kids would pick on me for ‘eating too much McDonald’s’. When I was diagnosed the comments become more prominent, and nobody understood what diabetes was other than that’s what happens when you don’t eat right. It was a major struggle to keep up with friends during middle school. Learning all of the new math, like carb ratios, and the difference between bolus and basil rates. Until high school, I met my now wife. She actually befriended me because her dad also has diabetes (Type 2). It was nice to have a buddy, finally someone who sort of understood. She has guided me into so many incredible places. Now I have a reason to manage my diabetes effectively. I have doctors who listen, and care; an extremely supportive family who I couldn’t have done this journey without.

The photo I’ve chosen to add is the day I was diagnosed. My mom thought she was losing her baby.