TW: Eating disorders

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) and this year JDRF Wisconsin will be spotlighting members of our own chapter on social media and what keeps them moving FORWARD with JDRF. Throughout the month, we will spotlight members of our board, volunteers, and youth ambassadors.

Through the Youth Ambassador program, youth leaders living with T1D engage in unique chapter activities to support the JDRF mission by inspiring chapter community members, advancing fundraising and stewarding donors. One of our youth ambassadors, Hadley, was generous enough to share her story and what her life with T1D has been like.

Hadley was diagnosed with Type 1 in January 2021 when she was 13 years old, “It was definitely a challenge, so I was excited to discover JDRF because I wanted to connect with other people like me.” Hadley decided to apply for the youth ambassador program and was thrilled to be accepted so she could raise more awareness for T1D.

“After having T1D for several months, I started wanting to control more aspects of my life around food and wanting to achieve that “perfection” that many diabetics strive for. Diabetes forces you to think about “good” and “bad” foods, which is dangerous. I went too far and was diagnosed with an eating disorder in January 2022, a year after my T1D diagnosis. Many people have helped me along the way in my recovery, and I’m doing so much better now. I’ve learned that Type 1 diabetics are twice as likely as a normal person to develop an eating disorder and eating disorders can affect up to 20% of diabetics.”

Hadley says what keeps her moving FORWARD is her family, especially her mother: “she’s been by my side through diabetes and recovery, and she is always willing to help me.” Hadley said she is also moving forward because she wants to help other people in similar situations know they are not alone, “Never be afraid to reach out for help. It may seem scary, and managing diabetes and eating disorder recovery is hard, but it’s absolutely possible.”

If you are struggling with disordered eating or restricting insulin to manage your weight, talk to your diabetes care team. Getting treatment early is important for both your short and long-term health and well-being.

Beyond Type 1 lists that some physical symptoms to look for include:

• Increased A1c levels and instances of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Obsession over physical appearance and exercise
• Extreme restriction of calorie intake

JDRF’s partner, Beyond Type 1, offers support through a FREE peer mentoring service, We Are Diabetes Mentorship Program. This service is available to individuals committed to recovering from ED-DMT1 (dual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder). For more information on this program and warning signs, CLICK HERE.

The ADA has an online directory of mental health providers by state that have training and experience in diabetes: https://professional.diabetes.org/mhp_listing?_ga=2.180200172.952338710.1666970963-1937911617.1659974911