Felicity Young was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of 17 while preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), a national exam equivalent to the GCE O-Levels. It was a challenging time as she prepared for her SPIM and grappled with the symptoms of T1D—excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and persistent hunger. Despite eating large portions to satisfy her frequent hunger, Felicity continued to lose weight and suffered from nausea and vomiting. Determined to prioritize her education, she pushed through her symptoms and focused on her exams. However, shortly after completing her SPM papers, she experienced difficulty breathing and was rushed to the hospital, where she spent seven days in the ICU being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and was diagnosed with T1D.

Eleven years ago, when Felicity was first diagnosed, there was limited awareness and understanding of T1D. Her worried parents advised her to control her diet by eliminating sugar and carbohydrates entirely. These strict dietary restrictions made her journey even more difficult, as she could no longer enjoy her favourite foods. The isolation of not knowing anyone else with T1D added to her struggles. Seeking answers, Felicity turned to the internet and social media. Her perspective changed when she attended a T1D workshop, where she met others living with the condition. Through this experience, she learned valuable strategies for managing T1D and found a supportive community.

Felicity’s diagnosis inspired her to pursue a degree in Dietetics, enabling her to understand how food impacts blood glucose levels. Over the years, she developed a deeper comprehension of how her lifestyle and diet influence her condition. Today, she manages her T1D effectively through healthy eating, carb counting, and maintaining an active lifestyle. She credits this progress to her determination, the knowledge gained from her studies, and ongoing conversations with her doctors.

Felicity encourages others living with T1D to remain patient and persistent, as reaching a place of confidence and control takes time. She takes pride in the flexibility she is able to achieve, allowing her to live life on her terms while staying healthy and active. She shares, "My promise to myself is to always take care of my body. Taking care of yourself should always be a priority."