Sweet Kids, Real Stories
Meet Our Sugar Smart Kids
Type 1 diabetes touches every part of a child's life, from school days and sleepovers to sports, friendships, and family routines. Behind every blood sugar check and insulin dose is a real child learning to navigate a world that suddenly looks a little different.
At Sugar Smart Kids, we believe these stories matter. By sharing the journeys of children living with type 1 diabetes, we hope to create understanding, connection, and hope for families walking a similar path. Each story is unique, but together they remind us that no child faces this diagnosis alone.
Community Spotlight: Meet Karly
Loves: The color blue, drawing, Roblox, Stitch, and video games
Diagnosed: 2025
Diabetes Tool Kit: CGM and insulin pump
Goal: Gaining independence with the help of a diabetic alert service dog
Karly is a bright, creative 10-year old who loves all things blue, enjoys playing video games, and spending time drawing. Like many kids her age, she’s imaginative, curious, and full of personality. She’s also living with type 1 diabetes.
Karly was diagnosed in 2025, and since then, diabetes has become part of her everyday life. She uses a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar, tools that play a critical role in keeping her safe and healthy. While these devices provide important support, diabetes management can still be unpredictable and requires constant awareness from both Karly and her family.
After experiencing a frightening moment when a device failed, Karly’s family was reminded how vulnerable children with type 1 diabetes can be, especially at night. Like many parents in the diabetes community, they are always looking for ways to add layers of safety and peace of mind.
Their goal is to help Karly gain greater independence and confidence as she grows. One way they are working toward that goal is by helping her receive a diabetic alert service dog. A properly trained service dog can detect changes in blood sugar levels and provide alerts when Karly may not recognize symptoms herself. Beyond safety, a service dog can offer comfort, companionship, and reassurance, helping Karly feel more secure as she navigates school, activities, and everyday life with diabetes.
Karly’s story reflects the resilience we see in so many children living with type 1 diabetes. She is more than diagnosis. She is a warrior. She is strong. She is surrounded by a family doing everything they can to help her thrive.
You can support Karly and her journey toward greater independence by learning more and sharing her GoFundMe here:
By sharing stories like Karly’s, Sugar Smart Kids hopes to build understanding, connection, and hope for families navigating type 1 diabetes. Every child’s journey is different, but no one walks this path alone.