Living with diabetes requires sooooo much effort. The daily requirements of staying alive are relentless and unending. It is messy, unpredictable, and damn frustrating most of the time. The biggest thing though, is that unless you have a friend or community who also has it, you are likely to feel misunderstood. And even when you … Continue reading #IHearYou
Open Access Study of Diabetes Online Communities Now Available
Over the last year, I've been working with a stellar team of researchers, clinicians, and community members on a scoping review of studies looking at diabetes online communities (DOCs). This basically means that we did a super intense search of research articles that already existed that talked about or examined diabetes online communities. Our initial … Continue reading Open Access Study of Diabetes Online Communities Now Available
#DSMA for Research, Option to Opt-Out
Happy #DSMA day! Thank you for visiting this page to learn more about the study. This is also the post where you have the option to opt-out. All study details are below. Here is the opt-out form. If you would like to participate in the twitter chat but do not wish to have your responses … Continue reading #DSMA for Research, Option to Opt-Out
On Saying Yes: Another MasterLab Reflection
Have you ever been witness to something unjust - someone being teased or treated unfairly? Chances are you have. Chances are also high that upon witnessing such an event, you have felt a specific kind of deep-seeded urge to somehow restore that balance and justice. However, if you are anything like me, that urge is … Continue reading On Saying Yes: Another MasterLab Reflection
#MasterLab Recap and Thanks
Last week I attended #MasterLab, an advocacy event put on by Diabetes Hands Foundation through their Diabetes Advocates program. Overall the day was a spectacular success. Throughout this week, I will release reflections on specific talks. For now, a general overview of the event with gratitude toward the organization that made it all happen. Brief Recap: … Continue reading #MasterLab Recap and Thanks
Pre-Conference Excitement: MasterLab Edition
Diabetes advocates are my favorite people and I get to see many of them in just a few days. Suffice it to say I'm a little more than giddy. I'm practically bouncing out my chair right now as conversations in the Facebook group turn to packing tips and roommate assignments. So what is bringing all of … Continue reading Pre-Conference Excitement: MasterLab Edition
What is the Story We Tell?
The following post was inspired by the twitter chat #dsma on June 1st. Diabetes Social Media Advocacy is a great organization in the diabetes online community that connects people with diabetes to the support they need via social media in many ways. The twitter chat using #dsma is one such method. With that said, this post is … Continue reading What is the Story We Tell?
Diabetes Blog Week: Tuesday Take-Away
Welcome to Day 2 of Diabetes Blog Week. The topic revolves around the mental and emotional aspects of living with diabetes and what each of us bloggers does to cope with the stresses diabetes brings. The coping mechanism that suits me best as I move through the trials of diabetes is curiosity. Becoming a researcher … Continue reading Diabetes Blog Week: Tuesday Take-Away
UnitedHealthcare Policy Change: A Systemic Issue
Earlier this month, UnitedHealthcare announced a policy change that impacts people with diabetes of all types. As established by a new partnership with Medtronic, UnitedHealthcare has dedicated a "preferred Durable Medical Equipment provider" through which to cover. DiaTribe's article explains the impact of this new policy on patients: "If you are currently on a non-Medtronic … Continue reading UnitedHealthcare Policy Change: A Systemic Issue