With Diabetes in Mind

After obtaining a degree in public health, working in healthcare consulting for many years, and actively engaging in our healthcare system as someone living with type 1 diabetes, I can tell you this. The healthcare system in the United States is not built to support those with chronic health conditions. It is episodic in that it is meant to fix or cure a singular event, the flu, a broken arm, a surgery, and then you can go about your daily life after being “healed” from the health event that occurred. For those of us living with type 1 diabetes, we cannot be healed or cured from a visit to the doctor’s office. Our interaction with today’s healthcare system looks like a quarterly 15-20 minute check up with an endocrinologist, a yearly eye exam, some lab work, and may be an occasional visit with a diabetes educator, pump trainer, or dietician. While these interactions with an endocrinologist and other specialties are a necessity to successful diabetes management, it is not enough to support the 24/7, day in and day out work (yes, work), mental toll, knowledge needs around food and exercise, blood sugar management strategies, etc. to manage this chronic disease. We must take the initiative to continually learn about all things affecting diabetes to be empowered to be our own advocate and take control of our diabetes management, because even if you have a great medical team, they can’t be there every day to support you. You have to be in control, and you have to be your best caregiver.

I hope this blog can provide a resource to build your “toolkit” of diabetes management strategies by providing evidence-based, scientific knowledge to empower you to take control of your diabetes, motivation in embracing a positive mindset in living with diabetes, and guidance to live your healthiest life. I also hope it provides community and representation of those experiencing the same things you are.

Diabetes is a 24/7 job that must always be on the mind because it affects all aspects of daily life. The mind in relation to diabetes is so important not only from a knowledge perspective to inform your diabetes management but also from a mindset perspective in how you view having diabetes and how you approach living with diabetes. Living your best life with diabetes means living With Diabetes in Mind.