The human spirit, when truly tested, often reveals extraordinary resilience. For Kathi Korn, a German table tennis champion, being diagnosed with autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 21 was a crushing blow. Worse, her original discussion with her doctors, detailing the difficulties surrounding life with T1D led her to believe that a future with children, or even an ongoing athletic career, could be more difficult while managing her condition. "My world shut down. I was in a deep, dark hole for two years after my diagnosis. I didn't do anything. I didn't chase any dreams at all. And I just stopped living, actually," she remembers.
The Unlikely Catalyst: Motherhood and a Social Community
Kathi's story, however, is one of ultimate resilience, as she found herself re-fueled by an unexpected catalyst: pregnancy. Faced with a new purpose, she found her turning point. "I thought, 'OK, now I'm responsible for another being. It has to change. I have to take care of myself again.'"
This determination propelled her into becoming an expert on her own condition, leading her to start a YouTube channel a decade ago. Initially, it was a desperate search for information on autoimmune T1D and pregnancy, but she drew a blank. "I couldn't find any information; it was so complicated to navigate, and I really wished I had someone to talk me through it."
What began as raw, unedited videos in which Kathi simply "just talked," quickly blossomed into a thriving community. Her initial goal was modest: "I thought if I help one person, then I'm a winner." Her community, however, grew quickly as her audience embraced the information they too had been looking for. This digital advocacy, born from personal necessity, became the bedrock of her mission.
"I thought if I help one person, then I'm a winner."
Kathi
Reclaiming Dreams: The Power of Defiance and Innovation
Defying her own expectations, Kathi has three healthy children and triumphantly returned to playing table tennis. She has quickly become a public figure, advocating with and for others with T1D through platforms such as Miss Germany and in national campaigns with household name brands. As her life changed shape she thought, "maybe I should start playing table tennis again...", today she proudly declares, "I'm a national champion in table tennis, a top 20 finalist in Miss Germany, and a mother. Everything after my diagnosis means even more to me than I thought it ever would."
This remarkable turnaround wasn't solely due to willpower. It was boosted by scientific progress. Kathi vividly describes the meticulous monitoring required for autoimmune T1D, a burden eased by modern technology. "I don't make one decision that is not dependent on my glucose levels." From driving to training, her life is intertwined with her condition.
A Mission Beyond Self: Shaping a Better Future
Kathi's journey has transcended personal triumph. Her experiences, particularly the initial lack of support and outdated medical advice, fueled her to become a powerful advocate and role model, and turned a moment into a movement. She now dedicates her life to ensuring others don't face the same isolation. "I'm working as a diabetes speaker to stand up for those who can't yet."
Her mission extends to educating society, challenging misconceptions, and advocating for early detection. Competing in Miss Germany gave her a public platform she never could have imagined, "It's about my mission...to help the world become a better, more understanding place." She has also authored a children's book on T1D to translate complex scientific information into accessible language for the community. Then there's her role as German sponsor of Mattel's first-ever Barbie™ doll with T1D.
"I stopped chasing once, but I came back. I came back even stronger than I could ever imagine, and that was all because of what I've learned. I’ve been able to teach myself about my condition and because we have these scientific innovations and medical technologies." For Kathi, scientific innovations and her strong spirit are the foundation upon which she rebuilt her life and from which she now empowers countless others to chase their own dreams.
Every person's experience is unique and individual experiences may vary. Remember, your healthcare provider is the best source of health-related information and be sure to ask them any questions you may have. Individuals featured were compensated.
