Meet IDS patient Everett Shultz.
He is 14 years old and has had Type 1 Diabetes for 6 ½ years.
Q: How long have you had Diabetes?
A: I was diagnosed when I was 8 years old in 2nd grade
Q: What brought you to IDS?
A: We weren’t able to get the help as frequently as we needed it. My body was constantly changing and I felt like one appointment every three months wasn’t enough.
Q: Who have you worked with at IDS?
A: Dana.
Q: What were pinch points you had with your diabetes that you were able to work through?
A: I play a lot of different sports and so learning how my body reacts to the different sports has helped me a lot. Also, I’ve gotten a lot of help to figure out ways to be a better athlete and consistently play while having good blood sugar levels. Nutrition ideas have been really helpful too in keeping my levels stable so I don’t get low and have to not play or get high and not play well.
Q: What do you do in life that is easier or better since you’ve worked with IDS?
A: It’s easier for me to figure out how to dose for my carbs, what foods to eat to sustain my energy and how to perform better athletically.
Q: What new skills /strengths have you been able to build in your diabetes management?
A: I think I have gotten better with carb counting and prebolusing for sure. I also have gotten much better at understanding my body and insulin intake depending on what I’m doing. So, if I have had a super active day or played an entire game then I adjust my insulin. So, for the exact same meal, I might dose differently if I have been super active and it helps me avoid lows
Q: What would you say to someone who’s struggling with their diabetes management right
now?
A: I would say to think about what you are putting in your body… are they good or bad carbs? With diabetes, you need to “think before you do.” I also think staying active really helps me. I would tell them to use IDS because it’s helpful and I always learn something every time we meet which is once a month.
Q: What are your hopes for diabetes management in the future?
A: I would love a system where I don’t have to dose!
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