Connecticut diabetics say more awareness, education needed to break down stigma
At almost 16 years old, Emma Heslin knew very little about any type of diabetes. But then she was diagnosed with Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes.
“You’re like, what is that, what does that mean?” said Heslin, now a 22-year-old registered nurse. “So, you’re not going into it knowing it’s lifelong.”
She quickly learned she would have to take medication insulin and monitor her blood sugar levels for this incurable disease for the rest of her life.
“I’m a very private person and when I was first diagnosed, I was like, this is mine,” Heslin said. “And I think any diabetes diagnosis comes with shame. I felt ashamed, even though I didn’t cause it. I think there’s so much stigma.
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At almost 16 years old, Emma Heslin knew very little about any type of diabetes. But then she was diagnosed with Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes.
“You’re like, what is that, what does that mean?” said Heslin, now a 22-year-old registered nurse. “So, you’re not going into it knowing it’s lifelong.”
She quickly learned she would have to take insulin and monitor her blood sugar levels for this incurable disease for the rest of her life.
“I’m a very private person and when I was first diagnosed, I was like, this is mine,” Heslin said. “And I think any diabetes diagnosis comes with shame. I felt ashamed, even though I didn’t cause it. I think there’s so much stigma.