My name is Chloe Rudichuk. I am 11 years old and from Regina.
Five years, ago on Canada Day 2001, my life changed forever. On that day I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Today I want to tell you about what it's like to have this disease. I've told this story many times, but I'm happy to do it today because you actually have the ability to do something about it.
My family and I really didn't know anything about juvenile diabetes. I had never even heard of it before. I didn't realize that I would have to prick my finger six to ten times a day. I didn't realize that I would need to have three to four needles every single day to keep me alive. I didn't realize that the long-term complications from juvenile diabetes include blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, and amputation.
In the beginning it was hard to adjust. I had to learn to test my blood sugar by pricking my finger. My parents had to learn how to give me insulin with a needle. We all had to learn about counting carbohydrates, what I could eat, how much, and when. It was hard for people to understand why this was so important. I look healthy enough.
I feel left out when kids bring treats for the class, because a lot of times my blood sugar is too high and I can't join in and have the snack. I have to watch while the rest of my class enjoys their treats. Because I'm a dancer, I have to be careful about getting blisters on my feet. They take a long time to heal, and as I grow older they can cause serious health complications.
When my blood sugar drops too low I feel really sick. I'm dizzy and weak and need sugar fast. I've been lucky because I have always recognized when my blood sugar was too low and have been able to treat it. People with juvenile diabetes often lose consciousness and may even have seizures if they don't treat their low blood sugar quickly.
When my blood sugar is too high I usually end up with a headache. My parents worry a lot about my high blood sugars because they're hard on my body and lead to serious long-term complications. Since I was first diagnosed I have pricked my finger almost 16,000 times. I have had almost 6,000 needles. I'd like the needles to stop.
I now want to introduce Madam Josée Goulet, president and CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada.