Carissa Bettencourt

I was diagnosed at eight years old. I have been using pump therapy since I was 11. It is hard to believe I have been diabetic for 25 years this November. I was diagnosed the Monday after Thanksgiving, and my dad knew before anyone else. He saw it, and knew I needed to see the pediatrician. I will never forget my doctor telling my mom he could smell the glucose on my breath when he walked in.

I have has three successful pregnancies in the past 12 years, with only one child spending a short time in the NICU. I learned they call babies like her, sugar babies, because they’re used to our insulin from my understanding.

I like to celebrate myself and I talk about my diabetes often. I received a 10 year medal and I have been looking forward to my 25 year medal.