Taking the High Road: Shannon's Story of Overcoming Discrimination

This article was written exclusively for InformationAboutDiabetes.com by Shannon Barry, a 23-year-old volunteer firefighter and medical first responder who works at a juvenile detention center – and has been living with type 1 diabetes for more than 10 years.

It’s been a long, tough road for me and especially my parents. Along with battling diabetes, I was also battling the ignorance of my high school classmates and teachers to the point of filing a lawsuit for discrimination.

I was diagnosed in 7th grade. I was 5'3" and weighed 61 pounds. I was constantly bullied for being an alleged anorexic. I was teased for having to frequently use the bathroom, being called “the peeing fountain” by my math teacher. She even allowed my fellow classmates to join in with her tauntings.

The Day I Was Diagnosed (and my Life Was Saved)

On May 19, I went to school not feeling good. Third hour ended, and my body ached all over and felt like death. I called my mom and was hysterically crying and begging her to take me to the doctor. My mom could not understand me for how much I was crying and slurring my words. My mom did come and get me. She took me to the doctor, and after about an hour I was prescribed antidepressants and sent home. I did not stop crying and still hurt all over. I wanted to jump out of the car and end it all. I felt like a freak.

We got home and had five voice messages on our answering machine. It was the doctor’s office. My mom called them back, and after she hung up, she told me to pack a bag. I asked, “Why?” She said, “You have diabetes, and we need to get you to the hospital right away.” My dad met us at the hospital. I have never seen such a look on his face. As I got admitted and waited I felt very weak. It took all I had and help from my mom to get into a gown and on the bed. Tests were done, and the doctor came in saying they were admitting me to the ICU. My blood sugar was 973. My ketones looked like my urine had 4 cups of sugar in it; the dip stick turned black. I spent two weeks in the hospital.

Returning to School as a Diabetic

Returning to school was nerve-racking. A lot of kids asked a lot of questions. I had one teacher who looked after me. The rest of them? It wasn't so great. I was told I could not test in class due to being a distraction. If I felt sick or low or high, I had to walk myself to the office. Twice I fainted and hit my head. My mom was called everyday by faculty complaining that I had fries or a hamburger at lunch. I ended up eating in the office to avoid people gawking or telling me that I couldn't have this and that.

I was told by my science teacher that I would not be felt sorry for. I told her that I just wanted to be understood. My cheerleader coach yelled at me for having Starburst to treat a low and said that I was using diabetes as an excuse. My psych teacher thought my pump was a beeper, and when I wouldn't give it up I was sent to the office. By 10th grade, I was begging my mom to let me drop out and just work on my GED.

Teaching the Community About Diabetes

In 10th grade, I met a health teacher at the career center who gave me hope and confidence. Sue Cook was her name. I joined her class, and things started looking up. I decided to start doing HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and did community awareness as my project. I focused my presentation on diabetes. My best friend joined me on this project, for she wanted to help me fight and show the community more understanding about diabetes. We did the presentations in local schools, including ours.

By senior year, I knew where I was going for college and what I wanted to do. I went to Oakland University, majoring in exercise science. I then changed my major to criminal justice and transferred to Ferris State University. In 2012, I received my Associate’s degree. I now work full-time at a juvenile detention center. I am also a volunteer firefighter and medical first responder.

Even though I battle diabetes, I decided in 2006 that I would not let it control me or stop me from living my life. I encourage you to do the same. Instead of ignoring those who do not understand diabetes, that is your teachable moment! Also, never forget to thank those who have been your rock! I thank my mom, my dad, Sue and my boyfriend!