Sandra W., 15

Sandra is a jovial girl who is always upbeat, despite her chronic illness. She works hard in school and would like to be a medical doctor to assist children who have chronic illnesses. She is a known diabetic who should be on regular medication (insulin) but occasionally goes without the medication due to financial constraints. Was admitted in hospital and had to be immediately transferred to the high dependency unit in order to save her life.

Sandra is a jovial girl who is always upbeat, despite her chronic illness. She works hard in school and would like to be a medical doctor to assist children who have chronic illnesses. She is a known diabetic who should be on regular medication (insulin) but occasionally goes without the medication due to financial constraints. Sandra, a Type I diabetic, requires daily subcutaneous insulin injections to regulate her blood sugar levels and maintain them within a normal range. However, she missed her medication for two weeks due to financial constraints. This resulted in a diabetic emergency, leading to her admission to the hospital's high dependency unit. During her stay, her blood sugar levels were stabilized, her kidney function, which had started to deteriorate, was restored, and her electrolyte levels were balanced. After a few days in the high dependency unit, Sandra was transferred to the general inpatient ward, spending a total of nine days in the hospital. Her mother, overwhelmed by the critical state Sandra was in when she arrived at the hospital, could hardly believe her child survived. She remains deeply grateful to Helpster Charity for their support.

Diabetic ketoacidosis has high chances of leading to coma. The treatment will tame the condition to reduce the severity of the attacks and to regulate the blood sugar. Diabetic ketoacidosis is treated with fluids, electrolytes — such as sodium, potassium and chloride — and insulin.