In early May, United Health Care announced that Medtronic would be its preferred provider of insulin pumps. Adults over the age of 18 who have UHC insurance will not be able to have any other brand of insulin pump covered. This set off lots of discussion within the diabetes community and prompted this special episode of Diabetes Connections. Stacey talks to Christel Aprigliano of Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), Gary Scheiner, a diabetes educator with Integrated Diabetes Services, and Mike Hoskins, managing editor of DiabetesMine. This episode was partially recorded on the video platform Blab.
Moira McCarthy Stanford and her husband, Sean Stanford, were recently honored by the New England Chapter of JDRF at the Boston One Night Gala. Moira is an author, speaker, dedicated diabetes advocate, mentor and educator. When her daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed 18 years ago, Moira jumped into the diabetes community and hasn't looked back. Stacey talks to Moira about this honor and about the dress she wore to the Gala. Seamstress (and type 1 mom) Darlene Winn crafted it and hand-embroidered dozens of names into the lining - names of "T1D heroes I love," says Moira. You'll also hear from Moira & Sean's daughters, Lauren and Leigh. They talk about what this honor means to their family and how their parents kept a balance of diabetes management, helping the community and living a full and happy life outside of T1D (Leigh does not have diabetes). Stacey also talks with the JDRF chapter about why they chose Moira and to the director of the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes. Moira more recently became involved in that organization and completed a grueling ride with Lauren last year.
"My Diabetes Secret" is a place to share thoughts, frustrations and experiences online while staying anonymous. Creator Christopher Snider is also behind #DayOfDiabetes on Twitter and hosts the podcast "Just Talking. Diagnosed with type 1 in college, Snider shares why social media is important to his diabetes management and why he'd like to help other health communities with the "My Disease Secret" platform. Stacey also shares some advice she's been given for dealing with Dexcom-related skin issues.
Three of the advocates behind the Spare a Rose charity campaign explain how it helps children with diabetes in the developing world. Kerri Sparling, Scott Johnson & Bennet Dunlap also play a few diabetes-news games with listeners. This episode is our contribution to Diabetes Podcast Week, a first of its kind effort organized by Stacey.
Manny Hernandez was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult; he was first misdiagnosed as having type 2. Now with Livongo Health, Manny co-founded Diabetes Hands Foundation in 2007. This week he announced he will return to the Board. Our Community Connection this week is Anja Busse, the girl who started the petition asking American Girl Doll to add diabetes accessories to their wildly popular line. Two weeks ago, they made a diabetes kit available in stores and online.
DPAC is a new effort to make it easier for people with diabetes to communicate with policy makers. Co-founder Bennet Dunlap explains how Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition works and how we can all take part. Our Community Connection is with Stacey's cousin, Aaron. He shares his experience at JDRF Children's Congress this summer.
In 2014, Sierra Sandison won the Miss Idaho pageant with an insulin pump clipped to her bikini, prompting the #showmeyourpump social media movement. We talk about her new book and online projects as well as take a look back at her incredible experience at the Miss America Pageant. In Community Connections, you'll hear about a new diagnosis, a new school, and a fortuitous meeting for the family of a first grader.