My name is Aria, and this year I will be celebrating a significant milestone — 17 years living with Type 1 diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of 7, on May 13, 2008, while I was in second grade. It’s a day that I will never forget, not just because of the shock of the diagnosis, but because of how it forever changed my life in ways I would never have imagined. Now, as I approach my 25th birthday, I reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the many lessons I’ve learned along the way.
When I was first diagnosed, it was like any other day at school, except for the fact that I was feeling unusually sick. My mom noticed that I was constantly thirsty, tired, and had been going to the bathroom more than usual. After a visit to the doctor, my mom was told that something wasn’t right. That’s when I was rushed to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where I spent the next three days in the ICU.
The entire experience was terrifying. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what was happening. All I knew was that I had been diagnosed with something called Type 1 diabetes, and I was going to have to live with it for the rest of my life.
At that time, the prospect of living with diabetes was overwhelming. It seemed like everything I had known was about to change. I would have to check my blood sugar levels, give myself insulin injections, and be incredibly mindful of my food choices. As a young child, these concepts were difficult to grasp, but my family and the medical staff at the hospital did an amazing job helping me understand the importance of managing my condition.
Though the diagnosis and time spent in the ICU could have been a traumatic experience, I look back at that time with gratitude. The medical professionals at Wolfson Children’s Hospital were knowledgeable and compassionate, providing me with information that helped me feel empowered, even in such a challenging moment. Their approach wasn’t just about treating the illness — it was about making sure I understood how to live with it. This experience, though difficult, gave me the tools I needed to take control of my health and start living a full life despite my diagnosis.
During my time at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, I was introduced to something that would have an incredible impact on my life: Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Through the education and resources provided by the hospital, I was connected to this amazing organization that has been making strides in diabetes research and advocacy for more than 50 years. Breakthrough T1D has been pivotal in nearly every major advancement in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. They have helped fund life-changing research and played a crucial role in improving life for those living with T1D.
When I was introduced to JDRF’s events, I was able to connect with not only other people living with Type 1 diabetes but also their families. I was welcomed into a community of individuals who understood exactly what I was going through. The bonds I formed with fellow T1D families became a source of strength and inspiration for me. Through Breakthrough T1D, I found a place where I could share experiences, ask questions, and, most importantly, feel supported in my journey.
It was through my involvement with Breakthrough T1D and the broader diabetic community that I truly began to realize the power of connection. Having a community of people who understood the daily challenges of managing diabetes made a world of difference. It gave me hope and showed me that I wasn’t alone in this. Breakthrough T1D’s dedication to funding research and advocating for those living with diabetes has given me the tools and knowledge to thrive, not just survive, with Type 1 diabetes.
Over the years, my relationship with diabetes has evolved. Initially, I struggled with the idea of being different from my peers. I often felt isolated because I couldn’t join in on certain activities or had to be extra cautious about what I ate. But as I grew older, I began to embrace my condition as part of who I am. Diabetes didn’t define me, but it shaped me. I learned discipline, responsibility, and the value of staying informed about my health.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that diabetes doesn’t just affect me physically — it impacts every aspect of my life. Managing my blood sugar is something I do every day, whether I’m at work, exercising, or out with friends. However, I’ve discovered that with the right mindset and support system, diabetes doesn’t have to hold me back. In fact, it has taught me resilience. It has given me the strength to handle challenges head-on, knowing that I can take control of my situation and not let it control me.
As I approach my 25th birthday this upcoming summer, I often think about the person I was at 7 years old — scared, confused, and unsure of what the future would hold. Now, 17 years later, I’ve grown into a confident and determined individual who understands the importance of managing my health and living a fulfilling life. Type 1 diabetes may have been a part of my journey, but it is not the defining factor.
Looking back on the experience in the hospital, I realize that while it could have been a traumatic event, it was actually a transformative one. It was the beginning of my journey to not only survive but thrive despite the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes. It taught me to embrace the support of others, stay positive, and keep learning about my condition. Most importantly, it taught me that my life, though different from others, is still amazing.
Diabetes has shaped me into the person I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It has taught me empathy, resilience, and the value of self-care. My journey with diabetes has been long, but it has been full of growth and learning. As I prepare to celebrate 17 years with Type 1 diabetes this May, I can honestly say that despite the challenges, it has been a journey worth taking. Thanks to organizations like Breakthrough T1D, my journey continues to be one of growth, connection, and hope.
Join the Breakthrough T1D 5K Walk in Jacksonville on April 5 — register now!
A diabetes diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming for the whole family, but the team of experts at the Wolfson Pediatric Diabetes Center is here to help. Wolfson Children’s Hospital, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 50 best children’s hospitals in the nation for diabetes and endocrinology, offers comprehensive resources to support your child’s diabetes management, so your kid can get back to being a kid.
“Our team provides a vital support system for patients and families as they navigate living with diabetes,” says Mary Louise Fox, RD, LDN, CDCES, certified diabetes educator with the Wolfson Pediatric Diabetes Center. “From the moment we meet them in the hospital, we provide in-depth education and hands-on support, ensuring they feel confident in managing their child’s care. Our commitment continues beyond discharge, as we continue to guide families in the outpatient setting by answering questions, offering encouragement, and providing a strong network of support through their entire childhood.”
To set up an appointment with the Pediatric Diabetes Center, call 904.202.8547 or visit wolfsonchildrens.com/diabetes.
About the Author
Aria Todd is a 24-year-old who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 17 years, after being diagnosed at the age of 7 on May 13, 2008. Her journey began with an unexpected hospitalization, but through the support of medical professionals, family, and organizations like Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), she has transformed what initially felt like a life-altering diagnosis into an empowering experience.
For the past 15 years of living with diabetes, Aria has made spreading awareness one of her top priorities. Proudly wearing her insulin pump on her arm, she is passionate about supporting the diabetic community and fostering an understanding of the realities of living with Type 1 diabetes.
From her early days of struggling to understand the complexities of diabetes to her current role as an advocate for others with the condition, Aria has embraced her health challenges with resilience and determination. Along the way, she connected with a strong community of fellow T1D families, gaining strength, knowledge, and a sense of belonging.
