You never know how much your life can change in an instant, but with five short words, “You have Type 1 Diabetes,” she joins the close-knit community of approximately 40,000 people diagnosed under the ADA each year people with type 1 diabetes.
The JDRF defines type 1 diabetes as “an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that enables people to obtain energy from food.” It most often occurs in childhood or early adulthood.
Katelyn shared, “Of course, these are often busy times in our lives. When I was diagnosed, I was in my final year as a graduate student in cybersecurity and halfway through the 2022 Miss Continental Florida campaign”. She knew something was wrong when she lost 30 pounds, had blurred vision and became lethargic. At one point, she even had trouble walking and needed help to get around.
After her diagnosis, Kaitlyn had to learn how to cope with her new condition, continuous glucose monitor, continuous insulin pump, rigorous research, and prepare for a national beauty pageant. She credits her faith, family, medical team, and pageant sisters for giving her the strength she needs to overcome and grow. She shared: “I took the time to research how to compete because my continuous glucose monitor and continuous insulin pump were visible during the swim meet. Then I learned about Miss USA 1999 Nicole Johnson and Miss Idaho 2014 Miss Sierra Sandison competes on an insulin pump. It gives me the motivation to not let my new condition stop me from doing the things I love.”
She will incorporate her tandem insulin pump and Dexcom continuous glucose monitor into every look on stage. “If I’m competing, I’m fighting for all of us,” Kaitlyn said. Together, we continue to change the face of beauty pageants.”