Manchester Arena survivor dies suddenly from type 1 diabetes complications

Bright student Zara Ahmed, who was present at the Manchester Arena attack on May 22, has tragically died suddenly from a complication of type 1 diabetes.
So far, we do not know what the complication was. A possibility could be diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as this is one of the more likely reasons for death in such a young person.
Zara’s family spoke of their loss saying in a statement: “We will all miss the bright, sassy, bubbly, goofy girl that was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside but we will hold on to the memories.”
A promising student, Zara was studying at Liverpool John Moores University, working towards a BTEC diploma in forensic science. Her unexpected death occurred at her halls of residence.
Zara was just 18 and in her first year at the university. Type 1 diabetes can be difficult to control at university as it is often the first time that teenagers spend extended periods of their lives away from home.
A Liverpool John Moores University spokesman said: “Zara was only at the university for a short time, but had already made a positive impression with her enthusiasm and excitement for her studies.”
Diagnosed early, at the age of just 11 months, Zara had been living with type 1 diabetes for 17 years. He brother Zak also has diabetes.
Her family stated that she had been “deeply affected” by the Manchester Arena tragedy which was caused by a suicide bomber. They added: “She refused to allow anyone to use her religion as a reason to hurt others and her prayers were said for all those affected, regardless of faith, colour, race or religion.”
The attack took place at an Ariana Grande concert and her family spoke how Zara “was always smiling and nothing made her happier than sitting back and singing along with her favourite singer, Ariana Grande”.
In addition to singing and following her favourite football team, Aston Villa, Zara loved spending time with friends and helping people out and enjoying life: “She was the first to hold her hand out to someone who needed it and her bad jokes and random chit-chat became her signature,” said her family.