Katie’s Story

My name is Katie Swanson, and I have been living with Type 1 diabetes for 20 years. I was diagnosed when I was six years old in November of 2005, the day before Thanksgiving. While most families were preparing for one of the biggest meals of the year, my family was sitting in a doctor’s office learning that my life had just changed forever.

I was in first grade at the time, and something clearly was not right. I remember telling my mom over and over, “My legs are tired.” I was constantly thirsty and I had to go to the bathroom all the time, even missing fun events because I could not stay comfortable. My mom trusted her instincts and took me to the pediatrician. They tested my blood sugar and in that moment we learned that I had Type 1 diabetes. What we thought might be a small problem quickly became a lifelong condition. Growing up with diabetes shaped a lot of who I am today. It taught me resilience at a young age and helped me understand the importance of community and support.

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I play the viola and I am a classically trained singer. In college, I was part of a competitive a cappella group that traveled across the country performing. Yes, it really was a lot like the movie Pitch Perfect. Today I still stay connected to music by singing in a community choir.

Professionally, I work in marketing at Elmhurst University, where I get to use creativity and storytelling to connect people and build community. Giving back has always been important to me, especially within the Type 1 diabetes community. In high school and during summer breaks in college, I babysat children with Type 1 diabetes. It meant so much to me to support families and be someone younger kids could look up to who understood what they were going through. Today I continue that commitment by volunteering at Breakthrough T1D Walks and the ADA Tour de Cure bike rides, helping raise awareness and support research that moves us closer to better treatments and a cure.

Outside of work and volunteering, I love to travel and experience new places. I have had the opportunity to visit Italy, Canada, Ireland, and Germany. Living with diabetes requires planning and constant attention, but it has never stopped me from pursuing the things I love.

For 20 years, diabetes has been part of my story. It has challenged me, strengthened me, and connected me to an incredible community. I remain hopeful for the future and proud to use my voice to advocate for progress, awareness, and a world where people living with Type 1 diabetes have even more opportunities to thrive.

Katie Swanson