At 10 years old, Elizabeth Peery was rushed to the ER with a blood sugar over 800 and a brand-new type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
Her first question wasn't about needles or hospitals — it was, "Can I still play softball?"
In this episode of Invisible Strength, Elizabeth shares her type 1 diabetes journey from that frightening diagnosis to becoming a competitive softball player, a Division 1 walk-on rower at the University of Washington, and a public and global health student headed toward pediatric nursing.
She gets honest about the parts people don't see:
- The every-few-hours blood sugar checks,
- The crashes that wreck her sleep,
- Learning to tell diabetic fatigue apart from plain athletic exhaustion, and
- The year and a half before she could give herself her own shots.
It's also a story about the people who showed up — a mom watching her blood sugar through a phone, a coach who sprinted onto the field mid-game with apple juice and Skittles, and a community that never once made her feel like a burden.
If you or someone you love is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or any chronic condition, Elizabeth's take on resilience, support systems, and refusing to let an illness define you will stay with you.
Press play and meet a young woman who's living proof that a diagnosis doesn't get the final say.
⭐ Enjoying the show? Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — it genuinely helps more people who need this find us.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday.
🌐 Free quizzes, workbooks & resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
