Grand Rapids woman finds joy despite struggle with diabetes

By Abigail Blonigen

Kerry Larsen was diagnosed with diabetes on her 50th birthday, but both she and her doctors were relatively shocked. She had been healthy and active all of her life.

“Diabetes does not discriminate, but I just didn’t fit the criteria of having diabetes,” said Larsen, now 55 and living in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

In fact, Larsen had a physical about six months before her diagnosis, and everything checked out. It was actually her eye doctor who encouraged her to get tested, as her eyes were changing constantly.

The only other symptoms Larsen recalled were frequent unexplained urinary tract infections, being overtired, and overall feeling “not quite right.”

Of the diagnosis, Larsen said, “I was surprised, but I was also thankful that it was something that I could manage. But, boy, I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into.”

At first Larsen tried to manage the disease without medication through lifestyle changes, as she was initially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

“I did everything I was supposed to do,” she said. “I even lost more weight, exercised more … I was going to try to do this without medicine, and it was not working for me.”

Larsen’s diagnosis was changed to Type 1 diabetes, which tends to be more genetic than lifestyle related, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Larsen now manages her condition with medicine in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. She gives herself multiple shots throughout the day to help her body compensate for her pancreas’ inability to produce insulin.

In terms of diet, Larsen has to carefully track her blood sugar and watch her sugar intake. She said the diet piece is frustrating because the same foods can affect her body differently on different days. Stress and other factors can also cause her numbers to swing up and down.

“It is like a 24-hour job that you have to constantly, constantly work on and to try to stay healthy,” Larsen said. “I am a human and there are days I say I’m tired, I can’t do this, and you have to just pick yourself up and do it again.”

Larsen’s positivity and openness in discussing her diabetes led her to launch her own business called Kerry’s All Around Motivation. Through this side hustle, Larsen gives motivational speeches and meets with folks one on one to talk about their struggles.

“I believe in talking about my diabetes,” she said. “I’m very open about it, and anybody that knows me knows that I want to encourage people to live

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life the best they can.”

Larsen finds strength by giving back to her community. She is proud to have worked at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce for 21 years, currently serving as their membership and tourism coordinator.

She also helped launch the Grand Rapids mother-son dance.

“There’s always been a father-daughter dance, but never a mother-son dance,” Larsen said. “When I started out in the community people were so excited. It’s such a fun night, and I always give back in anything

that I do.”

The proceeds for the mother-son dance go to the Itasca County search and rescue team.

Larsen also fundraises for the American Diabetes Association through the handmade lotion she makes and sells around Christmas and Mother’s Day.

Larsen said her family, friends and coworkers have been crucial in her struggle with her disease.

“I love my community,” she said. “My coworkers are always checking on me. My sister’s always checking when we go to family events. My family’s always checking on me. My husband’s always checking on me. My kids are always checking. I mean, everybody’s always like, have you eaten? Are you OK? How’s your numbers? I have such a great support group. I can only hope that other people have that.”

For other folks struggling with diabetes and other chronic illnesses, Larsen stressed that it’s OK to not be OK, that it is OK to be mad or sad, but to make a point of finding things that make them feel good.

“Find something else that makes you feel good inside,” she said. “Don’t let the disease define you — I mean that sounds corny, but you are loved and you are still a person and you are human.”

Those interested in reaching out to Larsen about speaking opportunities can find her on Facebook at Kerry’s All Around Motivation or email her at kerrysmotivation@outlook.com. D