For most teachers, the school day revolves around lesson plans, grading and guiding students through material. For anatomy teacher Laura Leyda, it also includes constant medical decisions that rarely stop when the bell rings.
Leyda has been living with Type 1 diabetes for 15 years, a condition that requires continuous monitoring and quick adjustments throughout the day.
“I check my blood sugar throughout the day with the help of my continuous glucose monitor that connects to my Apple Watch and phone, along with my insulin pump,” Leyda said. “I make adjustments as needed.”
If her blood sugar rises, she administers insulin. If it drops too low, she must eat sugar immediately. Even meals require careful planning. “Before I eat any food, I have to decide how much insulin to give based on the amount of carbohydrates and components of my meal,” she said.
Managing those routines becomes more complicated in a classroom setting.
“There have been times when my blood sugar was going low and I realized I didn’t have any more sugary food items to bring it back up,” Leyda said. “I could not easily leave my students to go get something.”
At other times, her blood sugar can drop suddenly while she is teaching, affecting her concentration until she can stabilize it. Forgetting essential supplies can also have serious consequences. “If my pump rips out, I have to go the day without insulin,” she said. “I can’t just run home and get what I need.”
Despite these challenges, her condition remains largely invisible to those around her.
“It is always on my mind, but I’m aware that it’s not known to others,” Leyda said. “It can be a lonely struggle, and I have to navigate doing normal routine things while not feeling well sometimes without anyone knowing.”
Leyda says Diabetes Awareness Month is especially meaningful because of the widespread misunderstandings surrounding the condition.
“It is very important to me,” she said. “First, to understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the ways we can try to prevent the onset of Type 2 is something I am passionate about.”
She also believes awareness is crucial for students whose family members may be affected. “Many students’ family members have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes,” she said. “It’s important for them to know how to support them well and recognize signs for when to get medical attention.”
Her connection to the issue is deeply personal. Leyda says she was the one who recognized her own symptoms and pushed for care, despite initial skepticism. “I was able to diagnose myself and get treatment much faster than most Type 1 diabetics do,” she said.
Beyond medical knowledge, she hopes awareness leads to empathy.
“I really want to help others have empathy for people who have conditions that might not show outwardly, like diabetes,” she said. “It can impact someone mentally, emotionally and physically even if they don’t show it.”
For those newly diagnosed, Leyda emphasizes the importance of support and education. “Try to find someone who has been down this road and has diabetes themselves,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and understanding what’s going on in your body can help you feel more in control.”
She encourages students and staff to lean on trusted people. “Be open and honest with family and friends who can support you, check in on you and help when needed,” she said.
Ultimately, Leyda hopes the school community becomes more informed and compassionate. “I would love for people to learn about diabetes so they can make better lifestyle choices,” she said, “and support those they know who are living with it.”
For her, awareness is not just about a month on the calendar—it’s about recognizing the unseen effort behind each school day.
