Regina Walton

My Story:
When I was a university student, full of energy and surrounded by the excitement of learning, my life took an unexpected turn. I began experiencing unquenchable thirst, frequent trips to the bathroom, and an inability to focus in class or sleep through the night. At the time, I didn’t realize that the orange juice I was drinking to soothe my thirst was only making things worse. Concerned, I visited student health services, where a blood test revealed the life-changing diagnosis: type 1 diabetes.

I left the clinic in disbelief, struggling to process what this meant for my future. But being at a university with vast resources, I turned to the libraries and immersed myself in research. After a day of reading and confronting the reality of my diagnosis, I checked myself into a local hospital, where I was stabilized and started on insulin therapy.

Since then, I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for over 25 years. My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but I’ve learned to manage it by staying informed, disciplined, and grounded. My A1c is slightly above normal, but I’ve come to understand that living with type 1 diabetes is a balancing act—one that requires both knowledge and emotional resilience.

Why This Award Matters to Me:
Receiving a CWD Journey Award would be a profound honor. It would symbolize not just the years I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes, but the perseverance, adaptability, and strength it takes to thrive with this condition. This award would serve as a reminder of how far I’ve come—from that overwhelmed university student to someone who has learned to navigate the complexities of life with diabetes.

It would also inspire others in the type 1 community, especially those newly diagnosed, to see that while the journey is challenging, it is possible to live a full and meaningful life. This recognition would celebrate not just my story, but the collective resilience of everyone who faces the daily demands of type 1 diabetes with courage and determination.