Orpha

“My name is Orpha Jemuatai, and I am 24 years old. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13. Before my diagnosis, I experienced extreme thirst, frequent urination, and significant weight loss. Initially, doctors misdiagnosed my condition as ulcers until I began vomiting blood, prompting my mom to seek further tests," Orpha shared.

The diagnosis was a shock to Orpha and her family. “It was a difficult and scary time. My mom was especially distressed, and she struggled to administer my daily injections,” she said. Orpha’s mother was hesitant about immediate treatment, especially after Orpha had just undergone surgery. This delay was emotionally taxing, as both mother and daughter had to come to terms with what felt like a life sentence.

The journey wasn’t easy. “I detested having diabetes at first. It took me a whole year to accept it because of how challenging it was, especially with the strict diet changes. Despite our efforts, my blood sugar remained high, often at 14%,” Orpha explained. “There were moments I would sneak foods I enjoyed, only to face the consequences later. It wasn’t until I refused an injection and ended up hospitalized, with nurses struggling to find my veins, that I realized how serious this was. That day, I knew I could have died.”

Acceptance marked a turning point in Orpha’s life. With the support of the MTRH Chandaria Home Glucose Monitoring Program. Orpha learned how to manage her condition more effectively. “The program provided me with testing machines and free strips, which allowed me to monitor my sugar levels regularly and report back to the healthcare team. Knowing what triggers high and low levels has been a game-changer,” she said.

The psychosocial support and telemedicine services were especially crucial. “Having conversations with health officers over the phone and attending seminars helped me stay motivated. One speaker shared her story of kidney failure due to non-adherence, which inspired me to take my medication seriously,” Orpha recalled.

The journey also affected her social life. “I distanced myself from friends because I thought I wouldn’t fit in, and I was afraid of peer pressure around sugary foods. High sugar levels would make me irritable, which I knew would be hard for them to understand,” Orpha shared. Despite this, seeing younger children in the hospital inspired her to stay strong and become a source of hope for others.

Orpha is most grateful for the education and resources the program has provided. “Thanks to the seminars and support, my mom, who is the main breadwinner, now understands how to care for me. It’s brought a positive shift in how we manage my condition as a family, even though it was challenging at first,” she said.

The financial support has also been life changing. “The cost of insulin is high, especially in rural areas, so the subsidized prices have been a huge relief. Knowing that my HbA1c tests are covered until I turn 25 is invaluable,” Orpha added.

Today, Orpha is focused on using her experience to educate and inspire others. “I want to spread awareness and help demystify the myths surrounding diabetes,” she said. “Thanks to the Home Glucose Monitoring Program, I’m living a better life, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.”

Darius and Orpha’s stories are a breath of hope, highlighting the impact of awareness, community, and proper diabetes management.