My coeliac story

Bogdanchik

“Hello everyone! My name is Bogdan. I will soon be 10 years old. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was nine months old. I learned to live with injections and sugar control. I went to kindergarten and school with my peers. 

Twice a year, my parents take me for check-ups and to adjust my insulin treatment. At some point I almost stopped growing, which worried me and my mum a lot. My tests got worse and my haemoglobin dropped significantly. I didn't have the strength to run with my friends at break time. 

Thanks to doctors and many tests, I was diagnosed with coeliac. It was scary at first. I was very disappointed because I already had a diet and now I had to change it. 

As we live in a village, we have to travel quite far to buy gluten-free products. But thanks to the Ukrainian Celiac Society, we have strong support. 

I have been on the diet for a year. During this year, I have grown 12 cm (yay!), learned to bake bread and various cakes with my mother that are suitable for both diets. 

I'm no longer afraid because I know I can have my own treats without compromising my health. There is always a way out and a way for you! I want to live a full life!"

Story is written by Bogdan's guardian Oksana

Note: We do not publish photographs of minors out of respect for their privacy. For this reason, we use illustrations instead.