11-Year-Old Toby on Type 1 Diabetes, Camp Sweeney, and His Service Dog

Toby's Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

• 💡 Toby, 11 years old from Wisconsin, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes about a year and a half ago.
• ⚠️ His diagnosis came after experiencing significant fatigue and digestive issues, culminating in a hospital visit when his blood sugar was found to be in the 600s.
• 🏥 During his hospital stay, Toby learned about finger pricks for blood sugar testing, initially using his middle finger due to a nurse's suggestion.

Navigating Type 1 Diabetes with Technology

• 🚀 Toby uses the Dexcom G7 CGM and the Omnipod 5 automated insulin delivery system, which has significantly improved his blood sugar stability at home.
• ⚡ He notes that the Omnipod 5 has reduced the stress and responsibility associated with managing his diabetes compared to using daily injections.
• 🧠 The system helps manage his blood sugar, making school life easier and less stressful.

Camp Sweeney and Service Dog Adventures

• 🏕️ Toby won a spot at Camp Sweeney in Texas through a podcast giveaway, attending for 18 days.
• 🐶 He also received a service dog named Op through a giveaway found on the Juicebox Podcast, which is a significant learning experience in responsibility.
• 🤝 Op assists Toby by detecting low blood sugar and has specific ways of communicating, including booping him with his nose and differentiating between high and low blood sugar.

Camp Life and Personal Growth

• 🎯 At Camp Sweeney, Toby participated in numerous activities like boating, hiking, ziplining, and rifle shooting, even trying weightlifting.
• 🧩 He changed his Dexcom CGM for the first time at camp, a task he was initially hesitant to do himself but felt empowered to accomplish.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Camp provided opportunities to make new friends with other kids who have Type 1 diabetes, creating a supportive environment.

Breakthrough T1D and Future Aspirations

• 🧸 Upon diagnosis, Toby received a stuffed bear named Roffus from Breakthrough T1D, which helped him feel understood and less alone.
• 📚 He enjoys reading graphic novels and National Geographic books, and aspires to study neuroscience as an adult.
• 🔬 Toby expresses a desire to understand the fundamental