Adrianna's Story

My name is Adrianna Rigau, and I’m 18 years old. I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at 5 years old, and it was such a life changing thing for myself and my family. Having to take on a big responsibility and take more care of myself at such a young age. I have to admit, it was tough, but I had an incredible support system throughout these 13 years handling this disease. I had to overcome the bullies who didn’t understand diabetes, the misconceptions people had, and the multiple health issues that came my way. As I grew up, I started realizing that although I have a disease that is hard to manage at times, I can still do everything anybody else can do. I swam competitively since elementary school, I did theatre, I was able to be around my friends all the time, and I had multiple opportunities to be able to share what I’ve been through. I am in college now at Florida Gulf Coast University, and it was tough having to handle this without my family right there to support me, but when I joined my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, I had a whole new family of sisters who continuously look out for me and help me with my diabetes and understand what I’m going through. I love spreading awareness about this disease, and I believe more people should understand what it’s really like. That’s why I make videos on Tik Tok to make light hearted jokes about it and educate people on it who might be newly diagnosed and don’t know what to do. I admit, it was tough growing up with this disease, but with the support of my wonderful family, friends, and my sisters, I know I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way and I can help other diabetics that I meet.

Adrianna Rigau