AceShowbiz - Rowan Henchy, the daughter of actress and model Brooke Shields, has been candid about her battle with Type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis she received unexpectedly during her freshman year of high school in 2018. The condition, characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, hit her with severe symptoms that included rapid weight loss, constant urination, deteriorating eyesight, and a toe infection.

"First of all, I lost a lot of weight, really rapidly," Rowan told People magazine during an emotional interview alongside her mother and younger sister, Grier. "I was consuming so much food, but I was just losing weight even faster the more I would eat."

As the symptoms persisted, Rowan's condition worsened until she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes later that year. This marked the beginning of an arduous journey toward managing and understanding the lifelong condition.

"It was an adjustment," Brooke Shields revealed. "I felt helpless at first but admired Rowan's quick maturity as she took control of her diabetes at just 14."

Despite the challenges, Rowan adapted swiftly. She started self-administering insulin shots and, more recently, began using an insulin pump and Dexcom patch to continuously monitor her glucose levels. This high-tech gadget transmits glucose readings to her smartphone, allowing close family members, including Brooke, to keep an eye on her levels indirectly.

"It's a 24/7 job, and I'm never off duty," Rowan explained. "But it's something I have, and it's now just about managing."

While Rowan's day-to-day life involves meticulous management of her condition, she has also embraced her role as an advocate. By sharing her experiences on Instagram, she attempts to normalize the condition and educate others. Frequently, she posts pictures showcasing her Dexcom patch, helping to demystify the condition for her followers.

Her mother, Brooke, has found comfort in this technology. "For a long time, she wouldn't wear the monitor, and then the pricking of the fingers all day long got annoying to her," Brooke said. "Having the monitor and having it on your phone, I can now look it up, and then I don't have to bug her."

As Rowan continues her education at Wake Forest University, she remains a beacon of resilience and inspiration. Her journey from a terrifying diagnosis to becoming fully autonomous in managing her condition underscores the incredible strength and adaptability of young people facing chronic illnesses.

Rowan's story is not just about managing a diagnosis; it's about transforming adversity into advocacy. By sharing her life so openly, she offers hope and guidance to others living with Type 1 diabetes, proving that while the condition requires constant attention, it doesn't define or limit her existence.