In Their Own Words: Kiera Smeenge

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes right after arriving to start my freshman year of college and play my first soccer season as an Anteater was something that completely changed my life. At first, I attributed my symptoms to the new environment and exercise, but as time went on and my symptoms worsened, I realized it might be something more serious. I was overwhelmed with brain fog, lost close to 15 pounds, and had insatiable hunger and thirst. Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes meant I was immediately thrown into the world of continuous glucose monitoring and was fully insulin-dependent now. This turned my whole world upside down. I went from living a conventional lifestyle to now having to educate myself on how to live with a chronic disorder. I had to quickly learn which foods to eliminate from my diet, count carbohydrates, give myself injections, and wear medical devices all while navigating this new journey as a student-athlete.

Living with type 1 diabetes as a student-athlete sometimes is like juggling three different worlds all at once, each demanding something unique. Every day is a balancing act between managing my blood sugar, pushing myself on the field, and keeping up with my academics. It’s been exhausting at times, constantly thinking about what my blood sugar is doing. Whether that’s if I've accounted for the right amount of carbohydrates, given myself the correct amount of insulin, or if I have enough supplies with me. These are things always on my mind. However, despite these challenges, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Living with diabetes has taught me more about life than anything else. It has made me more resilient; it holds me accountable, and it instills compassion within me. There are moments of frustration of course, like when a low or high blood sugar hits in the middle of a game or practice. But with time and the support of those around me, I’ve learned to cope with the challenges that come with managing type 1 diabetes and to not let it be something that holds me back. Being a type 1 diabetic has truly become a part of my identity, but it most certainly does not define what I’m capable of.