Turning My T1D Story into a Business: The Creation of Sugardrop Co.

Turning My T1D Story into a Business: The Creation of Sugardrop Co.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Life has a funny way of leading us exactly where we are meant to be, even when the path is unexpected. At just 11 years old, I was a happy, healthy girl in Ontario, Canada, gearing up for my competitive dance season. Little did I know, my life was about to change forever. After weeks of battling what doctors initially thought was the flu and then pneumonia, my symptoms worsened, constant thirst, frequent bathroom trips, exhaustion, blurry vision, and eventually vomiting. My mom insisted on bloodwork, and just an hour after my tests, we received the call that would change everything: I had Type 1 Diabetes, and I needed to get to the hospital immediately.

Adjusting to a New Normal

The weeks following my diagnosis were a whirlwind. I was thrown into a world of finger pokes, insulin injections, carb counting, and sleepless nights of blood sugar checks. The hardest part? Knowing this would be my new normal, for life. It was overwhelming, frustrating, and at times, isolating. But amidst the challenges, my mom’s simple phrase, “Kate, it’s time to get a Sugardrop!”, when it was time to check my blood sugar, became a source of comfort. That little phrase sparked an idea that would turn into something bigger than I ever imagined.

The Birth of Sugardrop Sweetwear Co.

Just three months after my diagnosis, in June 2017, I founded Sugardrop Sweetwear Co. If I was going to live with diabetes, I wanted to do it in a way that was empowering, fashionable, and full of purpose. More importantly, I wanted to raise awareness about T1D and help others who were facing the same challenges I was. When I first shared my diagnosis with friends and family, I quickly realized how little people knew about Type 1 Diabetes. Many confused it with Type 2, assuming I just needed to avoid sugar. Some even believed insulin was a cure. The truth? I need insulin multiple times a day just to stay alive, and there is no cure. 

A Mission to Raise Awareness

Through Sugardrop, my mission became clear: to educate people on the early warning signs of T1D, to encourage timely diagnosis, and to ensure no one ever feels alone in their journey. Too many people are diagnosed late, often with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to save lives and empower those living with diabetes.

Living with Passion and Purpose

Now, I live my life with more passion and purpose than ever before. Sugardrop has become a platform where I showcase what living with T1D truly looks like, through my social media, collaborations, and advocacy work. I want to break the stereotypes, show the highs and lows of this condition, and most importantly, help others thrive. T1D doesn’t stop me from chasing my dreams, and I want others to feel that same determination and confidence in their own journey.

Incredible Opportunities and Partnerships

My business has opened doors to incredible opportunities. For the past 7 years, I have attended and volunteered at the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference in Orlando, an experience that has connected me with a supportive, inspiring community. Through this, I discovered The Diabetes Link, an organization that helps young adults navigate diabetes in college. I started my own chapter at my university, Toronto Metropolitan University, creating a space for students with T1D to find support and connections.

Sugardrop has also led to collaborations with companies that are making a real difference in the diabetes community, including Dexcom Canada, Tandem, Pip Lancets, Genteel, MyID, Skin Grip, 4allfamily, InvisiYouth, and I Challenge Diabetes. I’ve had the privilege of being a guest speaker at conferences and even featured on CTV to share my Sugardrop story. But beyond the brand, beyond the partnerships, the most rewarding part has been the friendships and connections I’ve made. The diabetes community is full of strength, resilience, and unwavering support, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.

Thriving with T1D

Through my work with Sugardrop and the diabetes community, I’ve discovered my true passion, helping others with T1D thrive. This has fueled my career goal of working for a diabetes company, where I can continue to make an impact on the lives of those navigating this condition. I hope to empower as many people as possible to live their fullest lives with diabetes, breaking barriers and proving that we are limitless.

I am proud to have type 1 diabetes. My diagnosis and the creation of Sugardrop have shaped me into the person I am today, stronger, more driven, and more connected to an incredible community. If you’re living with diabetes, know that you’re not alone. Follow me on Instagram @sugardrop_co and TikTok @Sugardrop.co my DMs are always open! Visit my website at www.sugardrop.ca to check out my brand and learn more. Let’s continue to raise awareness, break stereotypes, and thrive together.

Because diabetes may be a part of my life, but it will never define me.