I live in Chimaltenango in Guatemala and I am 16 years old.Eight years ago I started to lose weight, I was very thirsty and urinated very often.
My parents were very worried so they took me to the local hospital where I had tests and I was told I had type 1 diabetes. There was no specialist so I was transferred to the Roosevelt hospital.
My mother had diabetes too, and when we were told the cost of insulin and supplies we didn’t know how we would be able to afford supplies for us both.
The doctor told us about the local diabetes association, and we were immediately given test strips, glucometers, syringes and insulin, together with a book to understand diabetes that was a great help for me and my family.
I have received so much help from the diabetes team and the association since being diagnosed. We still face an uncertain future as my mother has chronic renal failure and my father is very unwell.
However, I have brothers and sisters who look out for me, and I take responsibility for my diabetes. I see many small children being diagnosed and I want to help them and teach them how to look after themselves as I do.
You can help families like Mildred’s navigate their way from diagnosis to management by donating just a dollar a day to provide insulin, supplies and diabetes education. You can make a tax deductible donation here.
