Soccer | 11/2/2023 4:49:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Nov. 2, 2023) - Diabetes Awareness Month takes place in November, providing a month and time to spread awareness about a chronic condition not commonly talked about
For TWU Soccer student-athlete Emily Rohne, this month provides a chance to tell her story of diagnosis and adapting to a new way of living – all with the goal to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Often symptoms of Type One Diabetes can go undiagnosed for long periods of time. Rohne said everyone should be aware of what the symptoms are, so they know what to look out for.
"Right before I was diagnosed in early April of 2021, I had symptoms like extreme fatigue and hunger, a very dry mouth and unquenchable thirst accompanied by immediate urination after any amount of water I drank," Rohne said."Although I was drinking upwards of two gallons of water a day, I was dehydrated because my body was desperately trying to flush the glucose out of my system."
According to Rohne, type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin producing cells of pancreas are attacked, leading to a complete deficiency of insulin in the body. Those with T1DM are insulin-dependent, meaning they must take insulin injections or wear an insulin pump in order to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range.
"The spring of my freshman year, I was playing through the soccer season undiagnosed and very ill, but I thought I was just having a hard semester since the symptoms gradually worsened over the course of December to April," Rohne said. "Before I was diagnosed, I remember playing in our last game of the season, and it felt like I was underwater. My legs felt like they had sandbags on them, my whole body was burning, and it felt like no matter how hard I tried, I could not run any faster because my body had run out of energy."
The night Rohne went to the emergency room, they tested her blood glucose, and it read over 600 mg/dL. The recommended sugar levels range between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL. Once she was diagnosed, they slowly brought her sugar level down through insulin IV. The next few days were a whirlwind, "surely this isn't happening to me," she remembers. Her emotions ranged from relieved to confused, devastated, overwhelmed, among others, but physically she immediately felt better after having insulin administered.
"It is a heavy burden to bear daily for those with T1DM and their families, especially when newly diagnosed," Rohne said. "I was afraid for what the future would hold, but I also trusted God and knew that he would provide for me. I have learned to see my dependence on Him and on those around me through this disease."
Those with T1DM must make an extra 180 health-related decisions per day then those without diabetes. Those decisions start the moment they wake up, or even during the night as their glucose levels could change during their sleep.
When Rohne was newly diagnosed at the hospital, she wondered whether or not she would be able to continue playing soccer. Since then, she has been able to return and play the sport she loves and plans to continue living an active life for the rest of her life.
"A diagnosis of T1DM does not mean an end to the life you once had," Rohne said. "It will look different but it should not hold you back from accomplishing your goals or living an active, joyful life."
If you are looking for extra help or resources:
On Nov. 3, The Pioneers will be celebrating, honoring and showing support to those who batlle this condition during the last soccer match of the regular season. If you are able, come to Pioneer Soccer Park on Friday at 1 p.m. to support the Pioneers and be sure to grab a blue ribbon at the entrance to show support to those with Type 1 Diabates.
- PIONEERS -
