A year without pain and dange

Thanks to glucose sensors, Maryana has turned diabetes management into a game. She is learning how to count carbohydrates in food and keep her blood sugar levels stable. Without the sensors, the girl may once again lose her sense of safety and security.

Maryana was diagnosed with diabetes at the beginning of 2023, after symptoms such as intense thirst, weakness, and weight loss became more severe.

The illness may have developed as a result of stress: Maryana’s home was almost destroyed during the shelling of Sievierodonetsk. In March 2022, her family relocated to Dnipro.

In January 2023, with a glucose level of 22 mmol/L while the normal level is below 5, Maryana was admitted to intensive care. To monitor her glucose, her fingers had to be pricked many times a day. The wounds barely had time to heal, her skin became rough, and each procedure grew more painful.

Thanks to caring people, Maryana received an insulin pump and a glucose monitoring system. The pump and Freestyle Libre 2 sensors significantly reduce the risk of dangerous blood sugar spikes and help prevent complications affecting blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and eyesight.

Since then, Maryana’s quality of life has changed dramatically. No more daily injections and constant pain. She can once again go outside and play with friends. Her mother can monitor her readings through a smartphone, and soon Maryana will begin attending foreign language classes.

Maryana is cheerful and curious. She loves drawing, making bead jewelry, and learning English. By her side is always her loyal friend, a French bulldog named Grey.

Recently, Maryana has become genuinely interested in managing her diabetes. She has managed to turn it into a game, learning to count carbohydrates and stabilize her sugar levels.

Unfortunately, the supply of sensors we previously provided for Maryana is running out. We're launching a new fundraiser to buy her Freestyle Libre 2 sensors: this will be enough to last her a year.

Friends, please support Maryana. Every donation is her opportunity to communicate, study, dream, and make plans for the future.