Every parent knows that children often look for ways to fit in with their peers, so it can be frustrating when a medical condition like diabetes threatens to make them stand out from the crowd. For Claire Terveer, however, growing up with diabetes has not stopped her from pursuing her passions.
A 14-year-old high school freshman from Shiloh, Illinois, Claire was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7, and the day she learned of her diagnosis is one she will never forget.
“Before the diagnosis, I had been feeling thirsty and never seemed to get enough to drink,” she says. “When I received the news, I felt confused.”
Living Her Life
Following her diagnosis, Claire had to monitor her diet and always kept a snack on hand in case her blood sugar became too low. The enthusiastic athlete had to begin testing her blood sugar before meals, bedtime and athletic events, a task that has become easier with age. She received a lot of love and support from her parents, including assistance with daily insulin injections.
“At first, it was hard to let Claire go without worrying because she was so young,” says Nancy Terveer, Claire’s mother. “After a few months, it got easier, and I realized how important it was for her to feel like she was just like everyone else. She’s always been able to participate in the same activities as other kids, from high-intensity sports to going to camp.”
Today, Claire Terveer enjoys volleyball, working out and playing the guitar, and she no longer views diabetes as a hindrance to her life. To help make the adjustment easier for others like her, she offers one piece of advice.
“Take care of yourself,” she says. “If you follow your treatment plan, diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from doing anything you enjoy.”