Age: 6
Age at T1D diagnosis: 5

Sophia is only six, but she’s growing up fast. Diagnosed with T1D one year ago, she has learned to deal gracefully with seven insulin shots and 12 blood-glucose readings a day, waking up twice every night, and calculating the carbohydrates in every bite of food she eats—while at the same time setting a brave example for her younger brother and sister. “Before I had type 1 diabetes, I wanted to be a princess,” she says. “But now I want to be a doctor like my endocrinologist.”

Sophia’s lofty adult ambitions will not keep her from enjoying every moment of her childhood, however. She loves drawing, learning to read, doing her kindergarten homework, playing dress-up with her friends, and baking with her mom and sister.