As we approach Brothers and Sisters Day on May 2, we want to recognize siblings who offer their support and love in the way that only siblings can. We asked Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors Brielle and Holden to share how they support one another on their journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Supporting my Supporter, Brielle:

My brother and I were both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few years ago — for me three years ago and for him, two. My older brother Holden and I are like typical siblings — he can be annoying and we have fights, but we also share this unique trait. When I first was diagnosed, he was so supportive always checking on me and making sure I was OK. Holden would help get me test strips or glucose tabs whenever I needed them. Then one day, as part of his research for a school project, he decided to take my meter and test his own blood glucose level. A few days later I was called down to the nurse because my brother was at the hospital having just been diagnosed with T1D. Suddenly I had a new “dia-buddy” who was also my brother.

You would expect my initial reaction would have been relief that now I wasn’t alone. However, I had always had my whole family behind me, supporting me from the beginning. So when he was diagnosed, I had to be there for him as well. I visited him at the hospital, answered his questions and showed him how things worked. Ever since then, I feel our bond has only gotten stronger — we can depend on each other. We can say, “hey, can you pass me some tabs,” or tease each other about whose A1C is better. Not all siblings can say to each other, “I understand how you feel and what you’re going through,” and actually mean it. My brother really gets me when I am not feeling well or am annoyed at having to test and correct in the middle of the night. Something I also gained from this is reliability. When I run out of strips or tabs, I can just borrow his and vice versa. 

Yes having diabetes really stinks, but sharing it with someone you care about is wonderful. Sure, when he was diagnosed I was relieved I could share this experience with someone, but I was also upset because I didn’t want my big brother to have to go through what I deal with daily. Holden and I act just like normal siblings because diabetes is just a part of us…it’s not the whole picture. Having T1D truly stinks, but I am lucky to share it with the most supportive best big brother I could ever ask for.

A Shoulder to Lean On, Holden:

Many people haven’t even met someone who has this type 1 diabetes (or at least, they don’t think they have). I have the rare situation in which my sister Brielle has it too.  She was diagnosed exactly 11 months before me.  When she alone had it at first, I would sometimes get confused or annoyed by how it affected our family’s daily lives, but when I was diagnosed all of it seemed to come together and make sense.

I’m not happy that my sister has T1D, but when I was diagnosed, it was comforting that I wasn’t alone.  The two of us having T1D presents a double-edge sword.  On the one-hand, it is unfortunate that we both need to deal with the disease on a daily (minute-by-minute) basis.  On the other hand, we are able to lean on each other. We both understand what the other is feeling. We don’t need to imagine what might be going through the other’s mind during a high, a low or even when things are calm.

T1D has brought my sister and I closer than we could have ever thought. We rely on each other and have each other’s back.  My sister and I support each other through “competitions.”  We both jokingly try to beat each other with our blood glucose numbers and see whose A1C is lower. My sister also being a diabetic may be a very unusual experience; yet it’s very special at the same time.

My Greatest Supporter

Breakthrough T1D wants to help you recognize and celebrate your sibling who is your greatest supporter. Create your photo and share your story of #MyGreatestSupporter!