Meet Natalia, a member of our Teens Rock support group, where teens with Type 1 Diabetes find camaraderie and support.
For five years, Natalia has navigated the challenges of type 1 diabetes.
“I had to learn how to prick my fingers to check my blood sugar, count carbohydrates, calculate my personal insulin to carb ratio, and inject myself with insulin shots,” says Natalia. “This is a lot to handle.”
Initially, she felt alone in her diabetes experience. None of her friends or family shared her condition. But then, she discovered Teens Rock, a support group for teens with type 1 diabetes. The group has become more than just a support network; it’s a blossoming community. Natalia has been a driving force in the group. She’s gone from a teenager grappling with her diagnosis to a mentor for younger patients.
“Teens Rock has not only allowed me to make new friends, but it’s been an amazing safe space,” Natalia adds. “Just being surrounded by other teenagers with diabetes has helped me become more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with my Continuous Glucose Monitoring device or insulin pump showing. There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to my diabetes. Finally, I’ve learned I am definitely not alone.”
Natalia has received her care at the Division of Endocrinology/Diabetes at Rady Children’s. The division is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s leading pediatric diabetes and endocrinology programs and ranked 8th in the nation this year, according to U.S. News & World Report. Serving close to 1,500 children with diabetes from San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties, the division is also nationally recognized for its impactful research in the field of diabetes and use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring technology.