In Pt 2, we dive more into Krislin's new life without T1D and CKD as of June 29, 2025.

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 9 years old, ⁠Krislin⁠’s life was forever changed. By age 22, she faced diabetic retinopathy. At 26, Chronic Kidney Disease entered the picture. And yet, on the 20th anniversary of her diagnosis, something extraordinary happened. By age 29, ⁠Krislin⁠ was gifted the chance at a new life.

Her story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. So, grab your tissues and walk with Krislin. Love with Krislin. Live with Krislin. Cry with Krislin. Heal with Krislin.

Her mother always told her, “You have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have you.” And today, that truth has never been more real, because diabetes no longer has her.

In 5th grade, Krislin’s diagnosis took a heavy toll on her young body. The innocent question, “Why me?” evolved into painful self-blame. “What did I do to deserve this? What did I do that was bad?” Even at 9, classmates asked cruel questions like, “When are you gonna die?”—questions that haunted her for years and silenced her voice about her condition.

She carried guilt. She felt alone. Her childhood was marked by hospital stays and isolation. For years, she didn’t speak about her diabetes, not out of denial, but out of pain.

But three months ago, Krislin woke up freer than she had ever felt. And today, her heart is with the community she leaves behind—the warriors who continue the fight against diabetes every single day.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. I know I did. Because this isn’t just Krislin’s story. It's a love letter to every person living with diabetes. To every parent, every friend, every fighter. This is for you.

Follow Krislin's Journey on Instagram ⁠@krislinwins⁠

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 9 years old, Krislin’s life was forever changed. By age 22, she faced diabetic retinopathy. At 26, Chronic Kidney Disease entered the picture. And yet, on the 20th anniversary of her diagnosis, something extraordinary happened. By age 29, Krislin was gifted the chance at a new life.

Her story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. So, grab your tissues and walk with Krislin. Love with Krislin. Live with Krislin. Cry with Krislin. Heal with Krislin.

Her mother always told her, “You have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have you.” And today, that truth has never been more real, because diabetes no longer has her.

In 5th grade, Krislin’s diagnosis took a heavy toll on her young body. The innocent question, “Why me?” evolved into painful self-blame. “What did I do to deserve this? What did I do that was bad?” Even at 9, classmates asked cruel questions like, “When are you gonna die?”—questions that haunted her for years and silenced her voice about her condition.

She carried guilt. She felt alone. Her childhood was marked by hospital stays and isolation. For years, she didn’t speak about her diabetes, not out of denial, but out of pain.

But three months ago, Krislin woke up freer than she had ever felt. And today, her heart is with the community she leaves behind—the warriors who continue the fight against diabetes every single day.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. I know I did. Because this isn’t just Krislin’s story. It’s a love letter to every person living with diabetes. To every parent, every friend, every fighter. This is for you.

On this episode, we travel to Aruba to meet with Nurianne. Nurianne was diagnosed with T1D at 19. She is a graduate of the University of Aruba. Nuri worked as a full-time lecturer at the University of Aruba and was a researcher for the local Foundation of diabetes in Aruba concerning diabetes management on the island. Nurianne is passionate about helping others, as she started volunteering at the age of 12 and has been active in many social projects and programs since then. Nurianne has a special interest in children and their development.

Since her diabetes diagnosis, she has dedicated herself to researching diabetes and health conditions. Nurianne aims at motivating and coaching people living with diabetes.

In 2018 Nurianne participated as the representative of Aruba in the Miss World pageant and her advocacy focused on health for children and youngsters. In 2019 Nurianne joined the YLD program by the International Diabetes Federation to gain more knowledge in the field of diabetes so she can develop the appropriate skills to support others and do research.

Nurianne has been a Ph.D. student in the field of Public Administration since September 2023. Her Ph.D. research is an extension of her passion for advocating for health and specifically invisible disabilities. Nurianne plans on conducting research on how communities of experience (support systems) can enhance health outcomes of people with hidden disabilities such as diabetes, ADHD, and endometriosis in Aruba.