Advertisement

Edmonton dancer doesn’t let diabetes diagnosis slow her down

Click to play video: 'Edmonton dancer doesn’t let diabetes hold her back'
Edmonton dancer doesn’t let diabetes hold her back
WATCH ABOVE: Clara's Dream takes to the stage at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Thursday night. Among the dancers will be an Edmonton woman whose diagnosis of diabetes 10 years ago isn't stopping her. Quinn Ohler reports. – Dec 29, 2016

When Edmonton’s Ukrainian Nutcracker, Clara’s Dream, takes to the stage at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, there will be a local dancer who has one big obstacle to face every time she performs.

Lida Petriw has Type 1 diabetes.

“I was shocked,” the 25-year-old said about her diagnosis 10 years ago.

Petriw was in Grade 10 when she was told she had diabetes. She was always thirsty, had lost weight and was exhausted.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Her doctor helped her realize she wouldn’t have to give up anything.

With a few tweaks to her daily routine, she’s been able to successfully lead a life as a professional dancer. In fact, she’s danced with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers for eight years, and performed in Clara’s Dream for four.

Story continues below advertisement

Petriw closely monitors her blood sugar levels and how she’s feeling. She has an insulin pump and she keeps snacks close by when she’s rehearsing.

“Everybody laughs at me because I get to have snacks in the studio and no one else does,” she said about her fellow dancers, and how understanding they have been. “They’re OK if I have to take a break or if I can’t do something full out.”

The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Edmonton’s Citie Ballet, Viter Ukrainian Folk Choir and Ukraine’s Virsky and Kyiv Ballet joined forces for Clara’s Dream. Performances are Dec. 29 and 30. For tickets, visit the company’s website.

Sponsored content

AdChoices