Age: 17
Age at Diagnosis: 12

Annika can almost always be found outdoors, whether it’s biking, hiking, running, skiing, or playing tennis. Recently, Annika was certified to SCUBA dive and has completed six dives! She is especially proud of being able to dive while managing her T1D. Annika also enjoys singing, reading, and cooking.

Annika is very outspoken about the mental health issues that sometimes accompany T1D. “When we talk about the difficulties of living with type 1 diabetes, we often forget about the toll it takes on mental health.” She is thankful to be thriving in her “new normal.” Annika recently spent two weeks in the Dominican Republic volunteering with a youth organization that runs camps and provides education for kids with T1D living in Latin America. Hoping to become a role model for others with T1D, Annika plans to continue her advocacy work and outreach efforts with a career in social entrepreneurship and advocacy, especially within the diabetes community.