11/21/2025
Meet Odysseus Autrey, a 10-year-old who was admitted to Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health in 2024 with COVID-19 and strep throat. During his stay, doctors discovered he had Type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that came too late to prevent serious complications.
Odysseus developed mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection linked to uncontrolled blood sugar. He endured nearly 20 surgeries and received emergency FDA-approval for an antifungal drug. After six months in intensive care, Odysseus is back to school and orchestra, managing his diabetes every day.
His story is a powerful reminder to know the signs of diabetes —extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue — and to seek care early.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center is committed to advancing research, education and care to find a cure.
“We're looking for the cures to Type 1 and Type 2," said Dr. David Sparling, OU Health pediatric endocrinologist. "There are always new things coming, which is exciting. I really can say to Odysseus and families like his that we're actually closer to a cure than we've ever been.”