The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

LIKE THE average child, 12-year-old Kaiden Moss-Moultrie enjoys a Wendy's meal every now and then and, with her friends, attends parties.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes since the age of four, Kaiden tries to live her life as normally as possible, even with the shots and pricks she take every day.

“There is nothing that I can't do because of diabetes. Every so often, I hear comments that I hate like, "Are you supposed to be eating that?" I also hate it when someone doesn't give me something because I'm diabetic. I feel that since I'm a child, let me have the ability to live like one. I like to share my story to others and give tips and tricks to help others to live a better and healthier life to avoid complications,” she told Tribune Health.

To her understanding, Kaiden said generally diabetes is a disease where the pancreas gives little to no insulin at all. And with her Type 1 diabetes, it is an autoimmune disease where her body fought an infection so hard that it killed the beta cells in her body. So, as a result, her pancreas can't produce insulin. Going forward, to keep her blood sugar levels controlled, she has to take insulin by injections and is presently using an insulin pump.

“Sometimes I have 'low days' where my blood sugar is so low, I don't function well. All throughout the day, I have to be aware of my glucose level, and make decisions that would keep me in a good range. I may take insulin if my number is going too high, or drink a juice if my number is going low. If my number is not in a good range, I may not be able to play sports at that time.

"I also count carbs to determine how much insulin I must take. That's sort of time consuming sometimes. Through God's favour, I have never been admitted to the hospital for any diabetic-related issue. I also have to be very cautious, especially with my feet because any cut that gets infected can lead to complications, the worst being amputation. When other kids are running in the grass bare feet, I shouldn't do it because of the larger issues. I think about it like this, five minutes of fun to have 50 years of sadness or trouble,” said Kaiden.

She said what keeps her motivated is the thought of helping others. Her desire is to help diabetics, especially Type 1s, to live the best life they can. She believes if she can give others the education to manage their diabetes, there is a better chance of them having less complications.

“Also, famous people with diabetes inspire me. Persons like Nick Jonas show me that it doesn't matter what you are going through, you can still be successful. You wouldn't even know that he has diabetes unless you probably research it. He lives very healthy. I am also motivated to deal with my diabetes every day because I don't want the complications of diabetes. If I don't do it right now, I will have complications after a while. Some of these complications are blindness, amputations, and kidney failure. I don't want any of these things to happen to me so even though I sometimes get tired of dealing with diabetes, I keep going and trying hard to keep my blood sugars in check,” said Kaiden.

Kaiden took her awareness as far as hosting play dates with other kids with the disease in effort to teach them about the disease. She has even written a book which she launched just last year.

“That was so much fun. I don't know if I would be an author if I didn't have this disease. Through having this disease, I've learned that you shouldn't be ashamed to let others know you're a diabetic. Diabetes isn't an automatic death sentence, so take care of yourself and you can still live a long and healthy life. When I'm older, I'd like to become an endocrinologist but one who deals especially with diabetes. I think that it'll be a pretty good I idea to deal with others with diabetes. I feel like I'll connect with them more. Apart from becoming an endocrinologist, I would like to also be a nail technician, seamstress, chef and baker. I'm not sure how I'll juggle all of this but I'll find a way. I would also hope to write a couple more books for children living with diabetes,” said Kaiden.

Her mom, Sonja Moultrie, added that keeping Kaiden motivated has not been difficult, as from a young age her parents told her what would happen if she doesn't take care of herself. As a result of this, Kaiden has been responsible and usually does what she knows needs to be done.

“We have been intentional about making sure that her circle of friends include other diabetics, so that she doesn't feel alone. We also believe that knowledge is power, so any opportunity we can give her for new learning is a plus. Kaiden also has an awesome support system, who offers love and support at every juncture. They cheer her on, and she loves this. Keeping myself motivated is sometimes a bit more challenging. However, just as it is for any other parent with a child who is living with a chronic illness, the love I have for my daughter and the desire to see her as healthy as possible, is a huge motivator. The support system that Kaiden has, supports her parents too. We couldn't do it without them. Our faith in God is a major component of how and why we keep going,” said Sonja.