Caro (19) lives in Berlin, wears her Kaleido in turquoise and green on her arm, and is currently applying to study social work. That’s no coincidence: after her diagnosis, it was a social worker at the Charité Hospital, in Berlin, who helped her most. Once she has her degree, Caro could go on to train as a diabetes educator herself. “I’m actually still thinking it over.”
An Ice Cream, on a Whim
Two years ago, having an ice cream was a challenge: stop somewhere, find a place to give herself some insulin, usually this was on the street. Most of the time Caro didn’t have an ice cream when she felt like one – not because she wasn’t allowed, but because it was too much effort. “I just really missed that freedom around food.”
Today she enters her carbs and keeps walking. “When I’m out, I’ll grab an ice cream – something I never used to do.” There are more snacks in her day, her favourite Italian place, a new döner (Kebab) spot in a part of the city she doesn’t know yet . None of it is a decision she has to think twice.
The Night Before
The bigger change isn’t visible from the outside. With the pen, the next day started the evening before: the long-acting insulin went in before bed – and with it, what the next day could hold was already decided. “You had to think about whether you’d go out and do something, how much you’d do, how intense it would be.”
Today she just heads out. “I just go out, and the pump notices that my blood sugar is going down and registers it.” Before leaving, she quickly checks how much insulin is left in the pump – after three months, she can tell at a glance – and that’s the whole ritual. “I’ve definitely become more spontaneous. That feeling of ‘Do I have enough insulin on me?’ – I’ve let go of that.”
A daily life with more room to breathe: “The way I go through my day is definitely a lot more relaxed.” Sometimes she forgets about it completely: “It’s happened quite a few times that I simply forgot I have diabetes.”
Colour, Her Own Choice
When Caro explains why she chose Kaleido, she starts with something others might see as a minor detail: the design. Hummingbird, the turquoise-and-green combination. Small enough to wear wherever she wants – usually on her arm, with the tubing length that suits the day.
“Compared to the other insulin pumps out there, it’s pretty colourful. Being able to wear it as an accessory was quite important to me, because I don’t want to walk around with nothing but medical devices all the time.” It goes with her style; Caro wears a lot of blue.
A Diagnosis Out of Nowhere
Caro was 17 and in hospital with stomach pain when diabetes turned up alongside the actual reason for her stay. “The diabetes was basically just an incidental finding.”
Her school stood behind her: all her teachers were told she could eat or check her phone at any time. For a few friends it was too much, and they pulled away – their loss, as Caro sees it. The ones who stayed carry snacks in their pockets without her having to ask, and take a break when she needs one. “Having support from the people around you is pretty important.”
And What Does She Like Best?
Still the colour. Turquoise and green, on her arm, matching whatever she’s wearing – and a day she no longer has to plan the evening before.
A kebab? Does it matter that it is in a part of the city she does not know?
Disclaimer: This blog is based on Caya’s personal experience and cannot be considered as medical advice. For individual guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.