Understanding how type 1 diabetes can impact an entire family

September 18, 2025 at 09:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - Sponsored by Sanofi

When it comes to understanding your risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D), family history is a significant risk factor for developing the autoimmune condition. If even one family member has T1D, the risk increases up to 15 times.

Despite having relatives who live with T1D, Sheila King didn't think she was at risk of developing the disease. "I was living life as a young adult in New York City," Sheila explained. "So, when I started experiencing fatigue and extreme thirst, I just assumed it was a byproduct of my busy life." The reality, however, was much more serious: These symptoms were signs of T1D.

At the time, Sheila's mom, who herself lives with T1D, noticed something wasn't quite right and decided to test Sheila's blood sugar. Concerned about the results, they went straight to urgent care and, ultimately, the emergency room as Sheila was already in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous complication of autoimmune T1D.

As Sheila described it, "Even though I've been surrounded by T1D my entire life, the diagnosis still came as a shock. At the time, I had no idea T1D screening was available, which could have given me more time to prepare for the realities of my diagnosis."

Navigating Sheila's "new normal"

Back in New York City, Sheila grappled with a life that required constant T1D management, including on her first date with her now-husband and professional baseball player Mike King. "We were having dinner at a restaurant shortly after she was diagnosed, and she was manually pricking herself and injecting herself with insulin," Mike shared.

The impact of a Stage 3 T1D diagnosis is immediate and requires an individual's ongoing attention. As Sheila explained, "I had to consider how to manage my T1D everywhere I went, and it was taxing, both physically and emotionally. It would have been helpful to have more time to prepare for how T1D would impact every aspect of my life."

But while T1D was (and continues to be) an all-encompassing reality for the couple, it didn't stop Mike and Sheila from falling in love. In fact, the experience of navigating Sheila's disease only inspired them to pursue a new passion project: a foundation created with the goal of improving T1D screening awareness and education.

"I'm consistently in awe of how Sheila faces T1D head-on, but it certainly isn't easy," Mike added. "Her experience has inspired both of us to want to improve awareness about T1D screening and risk factors for the disease, so that people don't have to find out about their diagnosis the same way Sheila did."

Mike and Sheila walking across the street

The benefits of T1D screening

Early T1D detection can help you be better prepared to spot the signs of T1D and reduce the risk of serious complications like DKA, which Sheila experienced firsthand. What's more, an early-stage diagnosis can give you or your loved ones more time to plan. So, talk to your doctor about T1D screening. You can also find helpful information about T1D risk factors (such as family history) and your screening options at ScreenForType1.com.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment - information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Sheila and Mike King are paid spokespeople for Sanofi.

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Understanding how type 1 diabetes can impact an entire family

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