Early detection of Type 1 diabetes can save childrens lives [Video]

SAN ANTONIO – – Sophia Roussel loves gymnastics, soccer, and swimming like any typical 8-year-old.

Yet, Sophia is doing those activities with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune disorder very different than Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children, and once kids get that diagnosis there are a lot of new technological options.

Sophia has a pump attached to her leg which gives her insulin, and a gadget called the Dexcom attached to her arm constantly checks her blood sugar and alerts her if it’s not normal.

“It all basically keeps me alive,” Sophia said.

It was two years ago Sophia was diagnosed, and even though she was just a kindergartener, she remembers the symptoms.

“Really thirsty, cranky, but also really shaky,” she said.

“She kept saying, ‘Mom, I’m thirsty.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, where’s your water?’ ‘Oh, I finished it,’” said Conne Ann Roussel, Sophia’s mother.

Connie Ann has two family members with Type 1 diabetes, so they caught it somewhat early, and Sophia …