Kayla Gray: Type 1 Diabetes Patient to Care Giver

Kayla was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age nine in 2006 and doesn't remember life before her diagnosis, making diabetes management her normal life experience.  Her interest in medical social work came during a college internship at the Notre Dame Health Center in Worcester. 

“I enjoy working with children who have medical complexities,” she said.  “I didn't know that a pediatric diabetes social worker was even a thing until I came across the job listing.  This position is perfect for me!”

As a social worker on the UMass Memorial Pediatric Endocrinology care team, she works with her former pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Leslie Soyka.  She now receives her diabetes care in the Diabetes Center of Excellence adult clinic from Dr. Andrea Kassai and Nurse Practitioner Nancy Sidhom. 

From UMass Memorial Patient to the Diabetes Care Team 

Technology for diabetes self-management has evolved significantly since Kayla’s diagnosis.  She checked blood glucose with finger pricks for nearly 10 years before transitioning to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during her junior year of college. 

“I never wanted to wear a device on my body,” she said. “I wish I had tried a CGM sooner! It’s a life-changing device.”

After giving herself multiple daily insulin injections for the first few years, she was finally convinced to try an insulin pump in middle school.  During freshman year of college, the Animus pump she had been wearing was discontinued. 

“I didn’t want to try another pump, so I went back to injections,” she said.  “I’ve been told many times by my care team and friends how wonderful insulin pumps are, but injections have become routine for me.”

Multiple daily injections work well for Kayla because she maintains A1c levels between 6.8 and 7.2%.

Personal experience with diabetes provides a valuable perspective in her role as a Social Worker in the UMass Memorial pediatric diabetes clinic.  She is known for the artwork on her arms.  She has a T1D medical alert tattoo above her right wrist.  A tattoo on her left forearm consists of symbols that mean “I Am Greater Than My Highs and Lows,” referring to blood sugar levels and the emotional and physical ups and downs of life.

Kayla says many parents are more excited than the children to learn she has T1D, asking questions about her experience growing up with diabetes and how self-management has improved in recent years.

The Role of a Pediatric Diabetes Social Worker

Kayla provides resource support, including helping families establish 504 accommodation plans for schools, ensuring proper diabetes management during school hours, and on field trips.

She advocates for families with MassHealth, informing people that children with Type 1 diabetes qualify for secondary insurance coverage from MassHealth in addition to their private insurance, to help with appointment copays and prescription costs.  Children under six with T1D also qualify for Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits, while those over six years old with additional comorbidities may be eligible.   

For college-bound patients, she provides transition resources and helps students connect with Student Accessibility/Disability Services for college accommodations.

Mental health support is a significant part of her role, addressing diabetes burnout and making referrals to therapists.

Among the other topics that she helps children and families with include diabetes burnout, fear of needles, fears of highs or lows, navigating the ups and downs of living with diabetes, the good days and the difficult days, and transitions that people encounter in their lives.   The first year after diagnosis is a huge learning curve for families with lots of “firsts.”  The process typically starts with school, then transitions to middle school, high school, and perhaps college.    

Diabetes Camp

Growing up, her biggest challenge in life with diabetes was feeling different and alone.  Attending Clara Barton Camp in Oxford, MA, for girls with diabetes was an important part of her childhood. 

“I spent three summers at camp,” she said. “It’s a safe space where I didn’t feel left out.  You’re included in every activity and never have to worry about explaining to someone that your sugar is too low.  You step away, and everyone understands.”

She encourages all of her patients to attend either the Clara Barton Camp or Camp Joslin for boys in Charlton, MA. 

Kayla Gray, Licensed Certified Social Worker 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Concentration, Mental Health; Minor, Sociology, Worcester State University
Master of Social Work Program, Anna Maria College

• She has two Chihuahuas, Tinkerbell & Tigger
• Kayla enjoys reading. Her favorite books are Because of Winn-Dixie (from childhood) and the Flowers in the Attic series
• She is a Country music fan. Favorite artist: Post Malone
• Loves to travel. Favorite trips have been Alaska, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and Ireland

"The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping kids with type 1 diabetes and being an example for worried parents, showing them that with proper management, children can thrive with T1D."