Khaleel Moore, 13, won't let diabetes keep him down

At just 13, Khaleel Dwayne Moore is an inspiration to people living with diabetes.

Khaleel, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at eight years old, said he has developed a fighting spirit that now enables him to surmount the challenges associated with his condition.

He does not intend to let the condition prevent him from fulfilling his goals.

“I am excited to share my story in hope that I can connect with other children suffering from Type 1 diabetes, who may feel alone or misunderstood.

“I would also like to encourage them to be anything that they would like to be,” he told Newsday Kids.

Type 1 diabetes, which was once known as juvenile diabetes, is a form of diabetes in which very little insulin is produced in the pancreas.

Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss an increased hunger.

The Form One Goodwood Secondary School student remembers the experiences that led to his diagnosis.

“I started drinking lots of juice and urinating frequently and eating more.”

He also recalled wetting his bed twice in one night during a visit to his father’s house one weekend.

“My Mom and Dad know that no matter how tired I am, I would wake up and pee.”

Khaleel, who lives in Signal Hill, said his concerned parents Nikita Moore and Mark Jack took him to see the family doctor.

He recalled the doctor tested his urine with a strip.

“He was very concerned with the colour that the strip would have turned from the urine.”

The doctor immediately referred him to the Scarborough General Hospital.

“When I got there, they tested my blood sugar level. It was so high that a figure was not even shown. The doctors and nurses were shocked that I was normal and full of energy instead of a coma or dead for my age.”

Khaleel said he was forced to make significant changes to his lifestyle.

He was placed on ‘R’ & ‘N’ insulin to regulate his blood sugar and the process had to be carefully monitored.

“I struggled a lot to keep my numbers from going high and sometimes when my sugar levels would read high numbers too many times one after the next, my parents would be very concerned and take me to the hospital.”

Khaleel said his insulin regimen changed everytime he visited the hospital.

“Sometimes, I felt as though I was being used as an experiment and it took me a few years to come to terms and accept my new lifestyle.”

A part of Khaleel’s condition involved his experiences with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

During his bouts with DKA, Khaleel said he would feel weak and experience strong stomach pains, muscle cramps, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite.

He said he felt frightened and worthless.

“After a while, it started affecting everything I did, even my schoolwork because I had given up and diabetes was winning.”

His aunt read an article about a young woman who gave an account of her Type 1 diagnosis. The woman spoke about how her life changed when she visited diabetologist Dr Claude Khan.

Khaleel said his mother also researched the doctor’s work and made an appointment for a visit. He made his first visit on December 7, 2019. The doctor, he recalled, immediately recommended he change his insulin.

He said because of the doctor, he was better able to overcome struggles and understand his new lifestyle.

“I am a better person because of it. I now pay attention to what I eat and when I eat.”

His mother also enrolled him in a Diabetes Association of TT summer camp at the Lowlands Multi-Purpose Facility.

There, he met other children in Tobago living with Type 1 diabetes.

“It was then I didn’t feel alone anymore and was able to make new friends.”

Khaleel said the camp was both fun and educational. “One of the best I have ever been to.”

The experience enabled him to administer his own insulin, “even though I still have my bad days.”

Praising God, Khaleel also thanked his family for being there for him, especially during his visits to the hospital.

“I know it takes a lot of money and they all work really hard to make sure I have everything I need to make it through my days.”

He also made special mention of his aunt, Jenelle Moore, whom he said continues to inspire him. She has already encouraged him to start his own smoothies business to give other young people healthy diet options. He said smoothies can be a beneficial part of a diabetic’s diet.

Khaleel, who has always been active, said he plays sports regularly “because exercise and drinking lots of water will also help to keep my sugar levels regulated."

“I hope that one day there can be a cure for diabetes.”

Asked what he plans to be when he is older, he declared: “I would like to be a professional footballer."

Khaleel is currently a member of Brother Ry’s Football Club in Signal Hill.