Diagnosis and Growing Up with Type 1
In this heartfelt chat, Maddie Harvey opens up about the moment that changed everything. She was just seven, starting third grade when a constellation of classic symptoms: thirst, endless trips to the bathroom, & weight changes spiked a red flag for her family. The hospital stay in Morgantown and Charleston marked the beginning of a lifelong journey with type 1 diabetes.
“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 7 years old.”
She remembers the early education about insulin, the shift from simple shots to the modern tools we now take for granted, and the way her family learned to adapt together. Maddie’s story is a reminder that diagnoses can feel overwhelming in the moment, but they also set the stage for resilience, learning, and a path forward that’s full of possibilities.
Tech, Treatment, and the Reality of Daily Life
“It’s heaven on earth compared to what it was.”
The conversation with Maddie dives into the real-world evolution of diabetes care: from the old “N and R” insulin regimen to modern pumps and continuous glucose monitors. She swaps stories about checking blood sugars eight times a day, the game-changing shift when she started using an insulin pump and a Dexcom CGM, and how those tools have dramatically reduced the guesswork and anxiety. The Dexcom G7 gets a nod for reliability and the comfort of constant monitoring, while Maddie openly discusses the ongoing quirks of technology: like compression lows and occasional connectivity issues, that come with living in a high-tech health reality. The bottom line? With the right gear and discipline, she points out, you can lead a full, active life, even when diabetes is part of the daily routine.
Camp Kno-Koma, Community, and Making a Difference
“Camp Kno-Koma… empowering kids to take care of themselves.”
A big heart moment from the episode centers on Camp Kno-Koma and the powerful community it builds. Maddie describes how the camp brings together diabetics from across the country for a week of typical camp activities: archery, kayaking, crafts, and dances, paired with diabetes education and peer support. She reflects on the sense of belonging she found as a kid and how seeing other kids thrive with diabetes reshaped her own journey. The program’s impact goes beyond keeping kids engaged; it’s about empowering them to own their health and feel confident managing their condition in everyday life. Maddie’s commitment to Camp Kno-Koma shines through, from her roles on the board to medical staff work, and she emphasizes how these camps create a mental and physical space where kids feel seen and supported.
If you’re curious about the real-world stories behind a lifelong diabetes journey: diagnosis, brave adjustments, and the community that makes the tough days a little brighter, this conversation with Maddie Harvey is for you. It’s part medical, part memoir, and all about human resilience in the face of everyday challenges.
