Slamming diabetes

The Wright State University women’s basketball program has partnered with SLAMT1D to broaden awareness of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) during its home contest against Slippery Rock University on Monday, Nov. 20.

SLAMT1D is a nonprofit organization that strives to broaden awareness, educate others and advocate for people with Type 1 diabetes and their families while also seeking to improve education among school nurses, athletic trainers and coaches.

SLAMT1D will distribute free bracelets and flyers in the Wright State Nutter Center during Monday’s game. Custom SLAMT1D T-shirts will be tossed out during the game. Donations to SLAMT1D can be at slamt1d.org/donate.

Type 1 diabetes is a lethal, life-altering autoimmune disease that afflicts nearly 2 million people in the United States. An average of 175 people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes each day in the U.S. There currently is no cure, and the number of annual diagnoses is on the rise.

Ellie Magestro-Kennedy, a freshman guard on the Raider women’s basketball team, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago. On a daily basis, she is required to check blood glucose levels, administer and adjust insulin dosages, and calculate her diet based on her schedule, including workouts, practice and games.

“When I found out four years ago that I was a Type 1 diabetic I never thought I would be here and get this experience,” said Magestro-Kennedy.

Current pump devices and continuous glucose monitors offer alternatives to multiple daily injections, but glucose testing, injections and device infusion changes still require hundreds, even thousands of needle sticks, infusion and device changes along with constant monitoring of glucose levels each year.

“I know that Ellie always has that on phone and has it beeping the minute her levels are getting low, and she runs off the court and takes care of it,” Kari Hoffman, Wright State women’s head basketball coach.

Magestro-Kennedy is one of many athletes competing at the collegiate level, inspiring youth living with Type 1 diabetes.

“I’m so pleased that she’s part of our program, and I’m so happy that all of us are being educated more about Type 1 diabetes, and I know I’ve benefited a lot from that,” said Hoffman.