Sydney's Story

The image shows Sydney, a white woman with shoulder-length light brown curly hair parted down the middle. She is wearing a blue jean jacket and a small gold necklace. She is smiling and standing against a black background.
  • One thing I wish people knew about Type 1 Diabetes is that even the smallest error can lead to big effects...From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep I have to regulate and monitor my blood sugar.”

As part of the Disability Awareness Campaign in the Spring of 2023, KSU students, faculty, and staff responded to a series of questions designed to help them share their experiences of disability and inclusion. This is Sydney's story:

What does inclusion look like to you? 

Inclusion to me looks like a community or group that is accepting and willing to learn about others’ differences. Inclusion to me is when everyone is included in all aspects of life despite their differences. Inclusion is when no one is left out or feels like a burden because of their differences. Inclusion to me is making everyone feel welcomed and heard.

What would you like to share with everyone about a "Day in your life"?  

From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep I have to regulate and monitor my blood sugar. I have to check my blood sugar regularly through a app on my phone to make sure that it is in a normal healthy range. Every time I eat, I have to measure my food and calculate the number of carbohydrates in order to give myself the correct dosage of insulin.

What do you wish people knew about disability?  

One thing I wish people knew about Type 1 Diabetes is that even the smallest error can lead to big effects. Giving yourself too much or too little insulin can have life threatening consequences on one’s health. Living with Type 1 Diabetes you have to constantly make sure your blood sugar is perfect.

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