The Impact of T1D Mentorship and My Personal Diabetes Management

The Impact of T1D Mentorship and My Personal Diabetes Management

Hi! My name is Kyla, and I’m 20 years old. Seventeen of those years have been spent rising above type one diabetes. I don’t remember my diagnosis at age three, however diabetes has been a constant part of my life ever since, affecting me in ways that are both extremely difficult and incredibly rewarding.

Without this disease, I would not be writing this blog, nor would I have met some of the wonderful friends I have made through the diabetes community. What began as a detrimental health condition became an opportunity for connection, support, and purpose.

The Challenges of Diabetes Management

Managing this disease requires persistence and a level of control and attention that, at times, feel impossible. At an age when most kids are learning to count, I was learning how to keep myself alive. My body failed to do what it was supposed to, and suddenly that responsibility fell on me and my parents. On days when my blood glucose is out of range, despite my best efforts, I try to give myself grace, be self-compassionate, and remember to breathe.

Kyla, a 2022 Diabetes Hope Scholarship Recipient and HOPE Connects mentor, connects virtually with her mentee, Fadima, a 2023 Diabetes Hope Scholarship Recipient.

The Role of T1D Mentorship

During my grade 12 year of high school, I was grateful to receive the Diabetes Hope Scholarship. That opportunity led me to the DHF mentorship program where I have had the privilege of supporting others living with type one diabetes as they adjust to university life.
icult to explain unless you’ve experienced them yourself.

Building Connections

Through mentoring, I have created friendships that have expanded my perspective on what it means to live with this condition. Each person’s experience is unique, and learning from each other has been a strong reminder that none of us are alone in battling this difficult illness.

While my family and non-diabetic friends have been incredibly supportive, it is deeply comforting to connect with people who truly get it, as the highs and lows of diabetes are difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced them yourself.

As a mentor, I focus on three goals with my mentees:

1. To be a listening ear
2. Offer advice when it is helpful
3. Provide reassurance during the tougher times

Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands what you are going through can make a huge difference.

Finding Strength in Community

Living with type one diabetes is not always easy, but it has made me more empathetic, resilient, and deeply connected to a community that supports one another through, quite literally, all the highs and lows.