On this episode you will hear from Michelle @michelle_jako Michelle visits us from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Michelle was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 2012 at 13 years young, while in the 7th grade. In this conversation Michelle tells us about how diabetes makes you
grow up fast and as a young teen when you're told to do certain things how you know as a youth that nothing can stop you.
She recalls her mom not knowing if it was her blood sugar or her just being 13 that altered her emotions and made her irritable. Even as a child in school, teachers would provoke her about her diabetes, specifically when she was doing exams and couldn't focus at times.
Once at a restaurant a patron told the waiter to tell her to take her insulin in a restroom. Michelle used this as a moment to advocate and educate this person on diabetes and the direct need for her to take her insulin.
Michelle recalls at the age of 15 not wanting people to know about her diabetes so she hid it. No one knew that she was taking insulin 3x a day, in the morning, before lunch and in the evening. Her close friends knew she had diabetes, but they didn't know the details of it. When she would
stay with friends their parents would make sure to keep the sweets from her.
One of Michelle's greatest hopes is that her child never has to grow with this.
When she met her significant other and she told him she had diabetes, he was okay with it. He was so excepting
of it and had no questions. He didn't know anyone with diabetes, but he told her, "Well, you'll teach me about it. I'm willing to learn. " While dating he once came to visit her and had to ask security to accompany him to her door, and there they found her unconscious. It was an eye-opening experience for her.
In her career she helps educate people on diabetes and advocacy. Although her child is only 2 she wants
to also educate her so that she will know what to do incase an emergency does occur.
Living with diabetes has made Michelle a more patient and understanding person. When she had her child, and although her pregnancy was hard for her, it was amazing! As Michelle passionately shares, "She is her gift from God!"
Follow Michelle
Instagram: Michelle_Jako
Tiktok: Michelle_jayy