Miss Idaho Wears Insulin Pump on Bikini: Type 1 Diabetes Patient Encourages Health Community

Sierra Sandison, a future Miss America contestant, has become a new type of model for many throughout the country. Also known as Miss Idaho, Sandison has Type 1 diabetes, and confidently wore her insulin pump attached to her bikini bottom during the swimsuit segment of a competition. 

For many, Sandison has become a new hero to those suffering with this form of insulin-dependent diabetes. Just Thursday, she posted a picture on Facebook wearing the medical device. So far, it's received 4,000 "likes" and 2,500 "shares" on the social media site. Twitter users have also been responding with #showmeyourpump and their own pump photos, according to NPR.

However, she is not the first contestant to have dealt with the health issue. Miss America 1999, Nicole Johnson, also wore an insulin pump during completion, though it was not visible. Sandison said that Johnson's also became an inspiration for her. 

"Miss America 1999 has an insulin pump, and it doesn't make her any less beautiful. In fact, in my mind, it enhances her beauty!" she said. 

She also released the following quote, courtesy of her Facebook: "My message to everyone, diabetic or not, is that we all have something that doesn't "measure up" to the beauty standards set by the media - and that is okay! It does not make you any less beautiful. We also all have obstacles, challenges and trials. Diabetes turned my life upside down when I was first diagnosed. Don't let your challenged hold you back or slow you down." 

Sandison will be competing in the Miss America Pageant from Sept. 9-14 in Atlantic City.