Aisha Jenkins Martinez from Leicestershire was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2020 just before receiving the results of her GCSEs. Now she is studying International Tourism with French and decided to celebrate her 20th birthday, fundraising for us by shaving her hair.
Aisha said of her type 1 diabetes:
“I am more accepting of my condition. A few months after diagnosis my hair became too thin, it was falling out and that was scary. I already felt like I was a “robot girl” and looked different, now my hair was falling out, and I felt I was losing my whole identity. Luckily, it grew back stronger and so did I. Four years later I’m making the choice to lose my hair, because it will grow back.”
Her diagnosis was a difficult time, but she feels that now she has more control and is using technology to help her manage her type 1 diabetes.
Shock of diagnosis and positive drive to debunk myths
“I was 16 at the time and, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I was sent to A&E alone. I was told I had diabetes and that my life was going to change. I cried, alone. A few hours later my mum was allowed to visit, and I just wanted to get out of the hospital. I didn’t grieve till later for my old life because although diabetes won’t stop you living your life it will change it.
"I’m used to it, but it will always slightly suck. But I am confident, happy and determined to remove the stigma and confusion between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. I am passionate about debunking all the wrong beliefs about diabetes.”
Stacey Smalley, our Community Fundraising Manager in Midlands and East region said:
“Aisha has already smashed her target and raised over £1000 for our charity. We are so grateful that we have so many people across the region of all ages, willing to fundraise in different ways and show such tremendous support for us.”
Find out more on Aisha’s Just Giving page.
