Patient Spotlight: Katie Kudelka

Berrie Center patient Katie Kudelka is making her mark as an advocate for young people with diabetes. Read our interview with Katie to learn about her journey and the goals she has set for her future. 

NBDC: Where do you live and go to school? What grade are you in?

Katie: My name is Kate Kudelka, I live in Syosset, New York and I am a junior at Syosset High School.

NBDC: At what age were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D)?

Katie: I was diagnosed with T1D at 6 years old.

NBDC: Who is your doctor at the Berrie Center?

Katie: My doctor at the Berrie Center is Dr. Natasha Leibel.

NBDC: How do you manage your T1D (pump/sensor/talking with your doctor/eating a certain diet, etc.)?

Katie: To manage my T1D I use an Omnipod pump, and Dexcom. I always make sure to communicate with my doctor about any questions that I have, or changes in my routine and diet. I take my diet very seriously since eating well makes me feel better physically, and stabilizes my blood sugar, but I will definitely have the occasional treat if it's safe for my blood sugar!  

NBDC: What is your favorite subject in school?

Katie: My favorite subjects in school are history and sociology because I love learning about people and society.

NBDC: What activities do you like to participate in outside of school?

Katie: I have been a member of Syosset Varsity Kickline team since entering high school in 9th grade, I also do a lot of community service and volunteering at local schools and family support shelters. In my free time I love hanging out with my friends, family, and dogs.

NBDC: Do you adjust your diabetes management based on those activities? If so, how?

Katie: I definitely have to adjust my diabetes management based on some of the activities I do. For example, during dance practices or long competition days I pay extra close attention to my blood sugar levels and what I'm eating so that my blood sugar doesn’t drop. I also put my pod on activity mode to have better control of my blood sugar. For longer days or trips, I always make sure that I have the supplies that I need with me at all times such as back up pods or extra snacks. I’ve learned that different activities can affect me and my blood sugar levels in different ways, and I’ve learned to plan ahead and listen to what my body needs.

NBDC: What has living with T1D taught you?

Katie: Living with T1D has taught me so much about myself and has helped me develop many skills such as responsibility and resilience. Being diagnosed at such a young age has allowed me to become more independent and aware of my health very early on and allowed me to grow into who I am today. Living with something that requires such close attention has also taught me how important balance is. Lastly, T1D has made me more empathetic, patient, and understanding towards others. You never know what someone may be dealing with behind the scenes, T1D has helped me become a more compassionate and supportive person overall.

NBDC: Any advice for our young patients with T1D or advice for their parents on how to raise a child with T1D?

Katie: To younger kids with T1D, I would say to never let diabetes limit what you think is possible for yourself. It can feel overwhelming at times, and it might cause you to feel different than others, but it gets easier with time and there is no reason diabetes should stop you from doing the things you love. For parents, I think that the best thing to do is to be supportive of your child and have confidence that your child will build independence over time. T1D can feel challenging and overwhelming in the beginning for both kids and parents, but it does get easier as you continue to learn more, and as families learn how to manage it together. 

NBDC: What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Katie: In the future, I hope to make an impact and continue helping others, whether that's through advocacy, volunteering, or a future career. I want to be a change maker and help ensure that all children with T1D have access to the incredible care and technology that I have been lucky enough to have access to. I also hope to be someone people feel comfortable coming to for any help or advice, both relating to T1D and just in everyday life. I truly love being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and in the T1D community.

NBDC: Tell us about @TypeOneConnection!  

Katie: Type One Connection is an online platform I created to provide support, community, and connection to people living with type 1 diabetes, especially children and those who were recently diagnosed. When I was diagnosed with T1D at six years old, there were moments when it felt isolating and challenging. Looking back, having a role model to look up to and guide me through the hard times would have made a huge difference. My goal in creating Type One Connection is to help newly diagnosed children and their families feel less alone, and help them navigate through the hard times by providing helpful advice, encouragement, and support.

As I’ve gotten older, I have had opportunities to mentor younger kids with T1D, and I’ve realized how much of a difference it can make when someone has support from a person who understands their experiences.  I hope to continue giving back to those who have helped me, including my team at the Berrie Center, through projects such as drives, donations, and other initiatives that can make a positive impact on children living with T1D.  

Thanks for your time, Katie! We can't wait to see what you do next.