This is part of our Diabetes Stories series, where people living with diabetes share their personal journeys, challenges, and insights.
Hello! Who are you? And tell us a little bit more about your diabetes.
Hey everyone! My name is Sonia Choukar. I’m 31 years old, and currently living in France. I’ve been living with Type 1 diabetes for 17 years.I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 following an emotional shock. Before that, I had been sick several times without knowing the cause. A blood test finally revealed the truth. I spent a month in the hospital learning how to manage the disease, including administering insulin and monitoring my blood sugar. That experience left me feeling lost, and I struggled with self-confidence. To release the stress, I turned to sports, eventually finding my passion in boxing, where I quickly set my sights on competing.
Over time, I learned to live with this condition, and it has become my source of strength.
For my parents, it was a challenging time. They worried constantly about my health, though fortunately, the financial aspects of my care were fully covered.
“Know the basics of hypos or hypers.”
Your treatment
How do you treat your diabetes, did a lot change over the past years and are you able to manage it well?
My mom has been my biggest supporter throughout my journey with diabetes, always standing by my side and encouraging me through every challenge. Her unwavering support has been a constant source of strength as I’ve learned to manage my condition.
To treat my diabetes, I use an insulin pump, the t:slim X2, along with the Dexcom G6 for continuous glucose monitoring. I started using the insulin pump in 2009, three years after my diagnosis. Before that, I managed my diabetes with fast-acting insulin during the day and slow-acting insulin at night. Now, I rely on Novorapid insulin, which is administered through my pump to keep my blood sugar levels stable.
I think I take good care of my diabetes. I make sure to manage it every day, especially during my boxing training, and before I go to sleep.
Can you recognize the symptoms of a low/high blood sugar? Do you test often and can you tell a bit more about your experiences with low blood sugar?
Yes, I can recognize the signs. When my blood sugar is low, I feel weak and heavy all over my body.
I use the Dexcom G6, which connects to my insulin pump. I check my blood sugar more often because it’s always displayed on my pump.
When I have a hypo, I drink a sugary drink right away. I’ve never fainted from low blood sugar before. It’s something that can come without warning, but I manage it by staying safe and waiting for it to pass.
Food and diet
How does your diabetes affect your eating and do you find being on a diet restrictive?
I usually have scrambled eggs with tea, yogurt, and orange juice for breakfast. I stick to balanced meals like chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for lunch and dinner.
I enjoy my snacks most days. I like to have yogurt with a small cake, tea, juice, and some fruit— like a mini meal.
If I eat something unusual, I adjust my insulin by adding an extra unit or two of bolus.
I try to drink two small bottles of water each day.
I do think diets can feel restrictive at times, but it’s important to stay healthy since diabetes can affect different organs, even the eyes.
I don’t get bothered when people comment on the foods I eat. It helps me learn new things every day. I’m always curious and eager to discover more.
Do you believe that a plant based diet can improve diabetes? Did you ever experiment with this?
I believe a plant-based diet could definitely help improve diabetes. Though I’ve never personally tried it, I think it has potential benefits.
Do you have a hard time eating out in a restaurant? And what are you thoughts on making this easier?
No, I don’t have trouble eating out. I’m pretty easygoing when it comes to food.
I really enjoy Moroccan and Italian dishes, especially couscous and lasagna.
“Stay strong! You are not alone!”
Exercise and work
Does your diabetes restrict you from exercise or your daily job?
Yes, I exercise regularly. I do Thai boxing and won the world championship three times in Thailand and Italy in 2013, 2017, and 2019. I train three to four times a week.
Finding a job that fits my condition has been challenging, as it can be quite restrictive.
Final
Do you have any positive or negative effects because of your diabetes?
The hardest part of having diabetes is always being cautious. For example, in the summer, I have to be extra careful to make sure the sensor doesn’t come off due to the heat.
For me, there really isn’t a “best” part about having diabetes. I feel like this disease is often taken too lightly, especially in France.
Since my diagnosis, diabetes has created additional challenges, like not being able to choose the job I really want. To manage my diabetes better, I rely heavily on exercise—lots and lots of it.
Religion hasn’t caused any issues for me. In fact, it’s what gives me strength. I thank God for that every day.
What is the best advice that you can give to non-diabetics, new diagnosed diabetics and diabetics?
It’s important to understand the basics of hypo and hyperglycemia and know what to do in an emergency.
My best advice is to encourage people to get involved in a sport. Exercise is great for managing this condition and helps build confidence.
Stay strong! You’re not alone in this. I’d love to share everything I know to help you manage this disease.
What would you ask the other diabetics?
How do you live your life on a daily basis? And are you doing any sports?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I can’t wait to hear from you!
Ready to share your story with the world?
At Diabetic Me, we dive into the real-life stories of people living with diabetes, uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Through these powerful stories, we aim to shed light on what it truly means to live with diabetes, offering understanding, inspiration, and support.
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Have a story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it! Your experience could be the next one to inspire others. Share your story.
I am writing a book on diabetes. It is very important as you know to have encouragement through others like hero’s as anyone faces the life time challenge of diabetes. I would like to use your story in my global book of awareness, education of diabetes. I do not want to use copyrighted material without permission. I am asking for your permission before I do all the research and writing of material for your story as a hero in my book.
I have asked Sonia if this is OK. I will let you know.
nice, encouraging!!