National Diabetes Awareness Month Spotlight: Emma Weflen

By: Ayaan Abbasi

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and this month, Emma Weflen, FYDE Chair on IUDM’s Fundraising Committee, shared her story.

When Emma was 8 years old, she went in for her annual checkup, and after completing a routine test, her doctor found that she had a high level of glucose and slightly high blood sugar. She went home with a glucose meter and insulin pen just in case, but after her levels were mostly normal for a few months, Emma was told she could stop.

However, this was what Emma called the “honeymoon period.” A few months later, her family noticed she was extremely tired and was losing a significant amount of weight among other symptoms that would later be diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetes.

After her diagnosis, she began adjusting to her new normal, including multiple daily insulin injections and supplies that she now had to carry with her.

Today, Emma continues to monitor her blood sugar levels, and depending on if it's high or low, these levels can impact how she feels especially as she goes to classes and goes through her everyday routine. “Being Type 1 diabetic is like trying to do all of your daily tasks while also balancing a balloon on your hand and trying to keep it in the air,” Emma said.

Coming into IU, Emma decided to join IUDM as she had always been passionate about pediatric healthcare and research, especially after being treated at various children hospitals (one being Riley Hospital for Children) and volunteering in pediatric therapy spaces. “I give all my time to IUDM because of all the children out there that are still waiting on their miracle.”

In addition to IUDM, Emma’s family has been passionate about raising money for Type 1 Diabetes, and she continues to participate in the Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly JDRF) to fund research for Type 1 Diabetes.

Thank you Emma for sharing your story!