Receiving a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis in the 5th Grade

My name is Mattison Leva (Matti) and I am 11 years old. I live in Colorado Springs, CO. Shortly after I turned 11 and just a couple of weeks into the fifth grade, I was diagnosed with T1D. After my family and I noticed some of the symptoms at home (thirst, fatigue, hunger, weight loss) my pediatrician took our concerns seriously, and shortly thereafter I was admitted to Children’s Hospital with DKA. Upon returning home, I have taken a hands-on approach to my new life with T1D. I actively participate in the day-to-day management of my diabetes and with the help of my family have been able to learn about T1D so I can explain to my classmates at school and friends at dance what T1D is, what my medical devices are, how they work, etc.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a loving big sister, straight A student, competitive dancer and small business owner. Post diagnosis, I am still all of the above but now do those things proudly rocking an Omnipod and Dexcom. 

Continuing to Dance After a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

I have been a student at Revolution Dance Academy for 4 years and dance at my studio several days a week. My favorite classes are Acro and Hip Hop. This year will be my third season dancing competitively with RDA and I am looking forward to what this season has in store. One of my biggest fears upon being diagnosed with T1D was that I wouldn’t be able to dance anymore. The staff at Children’s Hospital of Colorado and at the Barbara Davis Center taught me that I would still be able to dance. They have also helped my family and I learn what works best for managing my levels on days when I am dancing a lot! Those days can look very different from days

when I do not go to dance. 

When I am not dancing, I enjoy playing with my little sister, Maci. I also like hanging out with my friends, playing with my dog (S’mores), collecting/listening to vinyl records, watching movies, watching The Babysitter’s Club and volunteering with Julie Bee Honey Caramel’s (I have gotten to help inside a commercial kitchen and also learn about teamwork, responsibility, showing up on time and other tasks that will help me when I get a job someday).

Inspiring Other Kids Living with Type 1 Diabetes

My new collection, It’s Cool To Be Kind, was inspired by my T1D journey. I hope that when people wear the jewelry in this collection that it will remind them to not only be kind to others but also to be kind to themselves. I also hope that Made by Matti will show other kids who have T1D that they can still do anything they set their minds to, including running a business. 

Someday, I hope to start making medical alert jewelry for people who have T1D and also hope to someday host a craft fair of my own to benefit diabetes research efforts. I hope my story inspires you to be brave, to be silly, to be kind and to not give up on your dreams. T1D is tough but we are tougher!