LILY LIVING WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

Abstract

"Lily Living with Type 1 Diabetes" is an illustrated narrative written to explore the effects of Type 1 Diabetes on puberty from the perspective of a middle school girl. She faces normal challenges such as making friends, and fitting in, but also has to grapple with her blood sugar and blood sugar changes during onset of her menstrual cycle. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) diagnosis, especially in children, turns a patient's world upside down. For families, it can be difficult to make the necessary adjustments to diet and lifestyle for management, and oftentimes the child is forced to become responsible for all of the nuances of their disease. Because dietary and lifestyle changes can be difficult, I wanted to emphasize the positive parts of growth and development. Through the creation of a plot, a relatable female protagonist and complimentary illustrations, I share the highs and lows (literally and figuratively) of managing a new T1D diagnosis between the ages of 10-14. I want to use this narrative to open a dialogue for children who are struggling to manage the changes in their diabetes diagnosis after puberty. I hope this story is a resource of girls experiencing body changes such as their menstrual cycle and I want to empower these children to take pride and joy in their bodies and to celebrate their differences.