11/01/2026
💙 NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH! 💙
As we kick off November, I wanted to get on here and share something a little different than our usual horse and barrel racing posts. This one is a little more personal to me.
For those who may not know, I am the owner of Curtis Place Performance Horses, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on February 18, 2018, at just 12 years old. Since then, it has been a part of my everyday life.
The day I was diagnosed, I made a decision. Type 1 Diabetes was going to be a part of me, but it was NEVER going to be me. What makes me who I am is my love for horses, training, barrel racing, and everything that comes along with this lifestyle. I knew from the beginning that I wasn’t going to let T1D stop me, slow me down, or take away the things I love doing. I might have to do things a little differently, plan a little more, and overcome a few extra challenges along the way, but I was still going to chase my dreams and do what I love. Diabetes may be part of my story, but it will never be the whole story.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This means the body makes little to no insulin, and people with Type 1 Diabetes depend on insulin every single day to survive. It is important to understand that Type 1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar, poor diet, or lifestyle choices. It can happen to anyone, at any age.
Some common warning signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include:
* Excessive thirst
* Frequent urination
* Extreme hunger
* Unexplained weight loss
* Feeling tired or weak
* Blurry vision
* Increased irritability or mood changes
These symptoms can come on quickly, especially in children. Recognizing the signs and getting medical attention early can make a lifesaving difference.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes isn’t always easy. It is something that never takes a day off, and there is a lot more that goes into managing it than most people realize. From constantly monitoring blood sugar to calculating insulin and making adjustments throughout the day, it is a 24/7 job.
I wanted to share a little piece of my story because awareness matters. Whether you have Type 1 Diabetes, know someone who does, or have never really learned about it, I encourage you to take a few minutes this month to educate yourself.
Know the signs. Learn the symptoms. Spread awareness. You never know whose life you could help save. 💙