Natalie’s Story: Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Hoping for a Cure

Natalie Griffin, T1D and Patient of the Barbara Davis Center • June 24, 2026

TL;DR: Natalie, a 12-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, shares her experience navigating daily blood sugar highs and lows, frequent testing, and the support that helps her manage the condition. Her story highlights both the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes and the hope for a cure through ongoing research at the Barbara Davis Center.

Originally Published April 21, 2016

Illustrated comic depicting Natalie, a 12-year-old girl living with Type 1 diabetes. The story shows her experiencing high and low blood sugar, frequent finger pricks, reminders to check her blood sugar, and her hope for a cure through diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center.

Transcript: Natalie's Story

Image 1: My name is Natalie. I am 12 years old and I have Type 1 diabetes.

Image 2: Sometimes my blood sugar goes high.

Image 3: Sometimes my blood sugar goes low.

Image 4: Sometimes my mom has to remind me: "Time to check your blood sugar!"

Image 5: But I always have hope for a cure thanks to the Barbara Davis Center!

Image 6: One day, there will be a cure. I will be free. Until then, I keep going! Stronger today. Stronger tomorrow. Stronger together. Thank you for supporting kids like me!

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