Saara and Amy

Sisters Saara, 13, and Amy, 11, share a special bond that they wish they didn’t – they both live with Type 1 diabetes, one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Its cause is unknown and it cannot be prevented.

Since Saara and Amy were diagnosed at the ages of three and seven respectively, daily injections of insulin (several times a day) and finger pricks to test their blood glucose levels (BGLs) have become a way of life for them.

With the help of their parents, Tracy and Pasi, and the support of the endocrinology team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the sisters are managing their condition well. They also have check-ups at the hospital four times a year.

Saara said the hardest thing to deal with was how much her diagnosis changed her daily life. “I miss the freedom to just do things like I did before my diagnosis. Now, everything needs to be planned,” she said.

“It’s normal for me now, but I do know my friends’ lives are easier than mine.”

“My advice to other kids is to keep doing your tests – our parents care, that’s why they are always on our case to do it!”

Amy adds: “The hardest part about having type 1 diabetes is missing out on things because my BGLs are low or high, like sports at school, or having to stop in karate. And people sometimes stare or move away from me.”

Tracy and Pasi have worked hard to help their daughters cope with the frustration and isolation the sometimes feel because not everyone around them understands what life is like with diabetes.

“It’s been an exhausting journey, I haven’t slept a full night since Saara’s diagnosis,” Tracy said.

“It’s important for other families to know that it does get easier with time and hopefully one day there will be a cure!