In 72 hours, my life changed forever.
In August 2023, nurses rushed me to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where they discovered my dangerously high blood sugar levels, the classic precursor for a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. I stayed for the weekend, and left the hospital as a completely different person.
Since then, diabetes has made my life extremely complicated:
Waking up sweaty in the middle of the night by dangerously low blood sugar levels. Carrying sugary snacks on me everywhere I go. Visiting the pharmacy every other day to pick up yet another (expensive) piece of diabetes supplies.
Nearly dying on multiple occasions.
That's the reality for a Type 1 diabetic, a reality that's intimately understood by actress Elle Shaheen (yes, that Shaheen). And this November, Diabetes Awareness Month, it's about time to shed a light on life with this disease.
Diagnosed at eight years old, Elle - daughter of N.H. politician Stefany Shaheen and granddaughter of U.S. senator Jeanne Shaheen - has lived with this disease the majority of her life. Even after 18 years of managing this disease, diabetes still haunts her every day.
Elle is the subject of the 2016 New York Times bestseller, "Elle & Coach," Stefany Shaheen's book about Elle's diagnosis, the effect of diabetes on their family, and the medical alert dog - Coach - that brought some much-needed relief to the Shaheen's chaotic lives.
From the West End of Portsmouth, we discuss our near-death experiences with diabetes, her work as an advocate, meeting President Obama, growing up with a medical dog by her side at all times, and whether researchers will find a cure in our lifetimes.
Plus, Elle's time in the Portsmouth theater scene, her Broadway dreams, and life in Hollywood during the entertainment industry's existential crisis.
To support finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, you can donate here to Breakthrough T1D, the organization responsible for leading the fight against this disease.
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