Hey y’all — for those who don’t know me, I’m Sharina, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 6.
This shoot is close to my heart — not just because it’s my first time leading creative direction, but because it’s raw, real, and deeply personal.
I came up with the concept during Women’s History Month, which is also my birthday month.
What many don’t know — not even my family — is that the day after my birthday (March 2), I nearly lost my life due to severe hypoglycemia, and it happened again just days later.
This isn’t for pity — please don’t say “I’m so sorry” lol.
It’s about awareness.
Diabetes has become more common since I was diagnosed in 2007, but there’s still a huge lack of understanding, even among health professionals.
Being educated on it and living with it are two different worlds.
People often judge me for being “tired” or low-energy, not realizing how exhausting diabetes can be — everything happens internally. Whether my blood sugar is high, low, or stable, it affects my entire day.
It can cause anxiety, depression, and invisible battles I carry daily.
For years I called myself a “diabetic” until a beautiful soul told me, “You’re not a diabetic.You’re a person with diabetes” — That hit. This doesn’t define me, but it is a part of me.
My illness doesn’t define me, but it is a part of me.
As hard as it is, I’m grateful for what it’s taught me: independence, strength, self-awareness, resilience.
I’m proud to be a woman — and a woman with diabetes.
On top of everything else women go through, I carry this daily.So respectfully… no one can tell me nothing.
Some days I forget how strong I am, but the truth is:
Me getting through one day is like someone else getting through a month.
So here’s to owning my differences — and loving them too.
💄:
@nayaonthebeat_
📸 :
@reekshotit
#type1diabetes #diabetesawareness #womenwithdiabetes #chronicillnessstrong #invisibleillness #womenshistorymonth♀️ #t1dlife #diabetesdoesntdefineme #creativehealing #selfacceptance❤️ #fy
