Imagine a social media network where what we say about our lives with diabetes actually drives research. It’s out there, and it’s called Glu. Outreach manager Anna Floreen explains what Glu, and the T1D Exchange are, and how they help researchers focus on what really matters to people living with diabetes and their loved ones. Anna was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 6. She found great support at camp and recently took part in one of the Bionic Pancreas trials. She tells Stacey how surprised she was at how much of the mental burden of diabetes was lifted, and how difficult it was at the end of the trial to give that up.
This summer, Nichole Nichols reached out to her state lawmakers for help navigating the system for her T1D daughter and other families having issues with Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) . Instead of guidance, she got a pretty rude response. Rep. Jeffrey Guice emailing "I'm sorry for your problem. Have you thought about buying supplies with the money you earn?" Nicki responded by publishing the email on social media and the diabetes community, then the national media, picked up the story. Rep. Guice apologized and Nicki received support directly from Medicaid and her state (but not from Guice). However, she says what happened next at the legislature was even worse.
In this episode, Stacey also talks about the new UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago.
Country star George Canyon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 14. At the time, all he wanted to do was be a pilot and serve his country. His dream had to change, but he never gave up on flying. Just this week, and due in part to George's efforts, Canada changed their regulations, allowing people with T1D to become private pilots. George was the runner up in the 2004 version of the TV show Nashville Star, he’s had several huge albums since and a big career before, but he’s also been to medical school and has spoken out about diabetes since he was diagnosed. Stacey spoke with him at the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life Conference, where he performed for a very appreciative crowd.
Rodney Miller is a power lifter and strongman competitor who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 4. Rodney’s story is all the more remarkable because he says he was always small for his age and only walked into a gym about 8 years ago. Stacey talks to him about the reasons behind his move to fitness and toward the extreme (like lifting cars!). Rodney also founded Bolus & Barbells, an event for people with diabetes who enjoy lifting and barbell sports. In this episode, you'll hear from many people who took part in Bolus & Barbells and wanted to express their gratitude to Rodney.
Stacey also talks about The Podcast Awards, Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference and more!