Jason Sloniker is like any other 15 year old. He juggles time with his friends, family, school, football and more. The only difference is that Jason just happens to have diabetes. Get an insider’s look into his journey and experiences being a young diabetic.
Q. When were you diagnosed with diabetes?
A. July 13, 1999 – I was only one and a half years old and don’t remember being diagnosed. I started doing my shots at age five.
Q. What is the one positive thing diabetes has done for you?
A. Diabetes has forced me to live a healthier lifestyle, whether eating healthy or getting exercise.
Q. Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed child? Any advice for their parents?
A. I would tell a newly diagnosed child to remember that diabetes isn’t the end of the world. I would tell their parents to make sure to overlook your child’s sugars and the amount of carbs they have.
Q. What do your friends think of your diabetes?
A. My friends take it very seriously and they are very interested when I check my blood sugar or do a shot. Some of my friends have even checked my blood sugar.
Q. Do you notice a difference in your ability to be active when your blood sugar is too low or too high?
A. When my blood sugar is low I definitely notice my ability to be active goes down hill. I feel lazy and tired and I have no motivation to do anything.
Q. How has your family helped you with your diagnosis?
A. My family helped me by checking my blood sugars and giving me shots for five years. They also take me to appointments.
Q. What has been the funniest moment with your diabetes? Scariest?
A. I’m not sure about a funniest moment. The scariest was when I was at my babysitter’s and my blood sugar was 16.
Q. Tell us something about being a diabetic that people may not know.
A. My blood sugar is supposed to be around 150 and my A1c should be in the 7’s.
Q. What is your favorite snack?
A. I really like Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks.
There’s no denying that diabetes dramatically effects your life, but take Jason’s word for it, “it’s not the end of the world”. It’s possible to live a very full and active life as a diabetic. Learn more by attending our Diabetes Wellness Fair on October 12 at the Sioux City Convention Center for free health screenings, giveaways, and family fun!