CHRISTINA'S STORY

Watching her chase a soccer ball down the field in whatever part of the country, or world, her competitive club team happens to be playing in, a spectator would never suspect that Christina Murillo has lived with Type I diabetes since she was eight-and-a-half years old. Though her daily blood sugar checks and other precautions may make her lifestyle a bit different than that of her teammates, it certainly doesn?t affect her spirit.

When the Murillos moved to Orange County in 2000, they were referred to CHOC?s diabetes program, and Christina?s mom, Jeanette, couldn?t have been happier.

?CHOC caters to kids and gives us absolutely everything we need,? she says. ?Dr. Krantz, Christina?s endocrinologist, is always available to answer my questions and emails. Everyone on her care team does an outstanding job of ensuring that Christina is eating correct food portions and practicing healthy habits to control her diabetes.?

Type I diabetes is caused by a buildup of blood sugar when the body doesn?t produce enough insulin to break food down properly. Diabetes patients must take insulin shots on a daily basis, and Christina was no exception, first taking two, then up to five shots a day. But when she came to CHOC, Dr. Krantz offered her a special pump worn outside the body, which Christina programs to deliver insulin into her system. The result?no more shots.

Diabetes doesn?t run in the Murillo family, so Christina?s diagnosis was a complete shock in the beginning. Today, it has become a part of Christina?s identity, but it hasn?t kept her off the field.