Sierra Sandison is a diabetic model who appeared on stage wearing an insulin pump attached to her bikini was crowned champion after appearing in the Miss Idaho 2014 competition (USA).She shared her picture online using the hashtag #showmeyourpump, which has led to other people doing the same thing. Sierra said she felt she had a "duty" to other women and wanted to inspire others by showing she has "a flaw and is not afraid to show it".The 20-year-old said it was a "nightmare" when she found out she had Type 1 diabetes at 18 years old. "When I was first diagnosed, I was devastated," she said. "It was so overwhelming to think that I would have to be hooked to a machine for the rest of my life." Insulin pumps manage blood glucose levels and keep those with the condition alive. Sierra says she came to terms with living with the disease after being inspired by Miss America 1999, who had worn her pump on stage."I realised that by hiding this so-called 'flaw' I wasn't being fair to those girls watching me," she told Newsbeat. Sierra admitted she almost didn't wear the insulin pump in public because, as she made her way to the stage, a little girl asked her about it and she admitted she felt self-conscious. The little girl explained she was also diabetic but would not wear a pump because she was scared what her friends would say.I wanted to show girls that I'm not perfect. That I have a flaw and I'm not afraid to show it. "At that moment I thought, 'No matter what the judges, the audience or the contestants think, I need to go out and wear this pump for her,'" she said. "The fear just melted away knowing she was backstage watching me and realising even though I had this pump on it didn't make me any less beautiful and it didn't make her any less beautiful."Sierra said she has been "overwhelmed" by the reaction to the photo of her, which has been liked and shared by thousands of people. "One of the problems with the swimsuit competition is all the girls are tall and skinny and beautiful and women feel like they will never be like that," she explained. "I wanted to show girls that I'm not perfect. That I have a flaw and I'm not afraid to show it.Sierra said she had been inspired by other "brave" women she had seen in the media, like ex-model Bethany Townsend who hit the headlines in June after being pictured on holiday with her colostomy bags out. She said: "It feels like we are moving to a more honest place. It's super encouraging and I hope we can continue in that direction."Sierra has been praised by another beauty queen, Karla Fitzpatrick, who is Miss Coventry 2014, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged seven. She said: "Miss Idaho has started something fantastic, raising so much awareness for diabetes and the insulin pump.”Growing up can sometimes be tough for children with diabetes as everything can affect our blood glucose levels. "But diabetes research has developed so much that we can lead happy healthy lives just like everyone else.""Honestly, it is terrifying walking out on stage in a swimsuit, let alone attached to a medical device.”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 OK. "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 challenge hold you back or slow you down. Use it to, not only empower yourself and grow as an individual, but to serve and influence other people as well."Deepa Khatri, from Diabetes UK, said: "Although insulin pumps aren't for everyone, they do help many people - children and adults - to manage their blood glucose levels well and give them flexibility in their daily lives.”They are attached to the body at all times and we know that some people, especially young people, can be self-conscious about them. "That's why it's so great to see that Miss Idaho has confidently worn hers in public and is encouraging others to do the same."Sierra Sandison will compete in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City on 14 September 2014.