Living Life and Achieving High with Type 1 Diabetes

Year 13 student, Elijah Booth, has recently been recognised for his academic achievements after winning the John McLaren Youth Award from Diabetes New Zealand.

Elijah was the only one in New Zealand awarded in the academic category, which is open to anyone living with Type 1 Diabetes under the age of 25. There are two other categories – one for sport and one for the arts. As winner, Elijah is being awarded $2,000 to put towards his tertiary studies next year.

Elijah reports that statistics show educational outcomes for youth living with Type 1 are statistically lower than those without – with studies showing it affects NCEA achievement rates, attendance and university enrolment across New Zealand. Even though these statistics are not reflective of everyone, Elijah believes it is important for our school community to be aware of the learning challenges those living with diabetes at Trinity College face.

“Diabetics at our school are literally making hundreds of decisions related to our diabetes everyday – we are thinking about the impact of adrenalin on our blood sugars when sitting exams; we are putting a plan in place to prevent lows during tests; we are attending school even when we’ve had no sleep because diabetes kept us up all night; we are considering all the implications of a cross-country ski camp for PE, or all the sports we play, just so we can participate; and we even have to think about how we can attach our insulin pumps discreetly for the school formal.” He says that education and awareness around Type 1 Diabetes was therefore really important.

Elijah is very thankful for the support he has received from his teachers and the Trinity school community, and encourages anyone at Trinity College with Type 1 Diabetes to apply for the John McLaren Youth Award in future years.

Well done Elijah!