Category Blog Posts

How to make the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes less difficult

This episode of BDI Briefs explores the emotional side of type 2 diabetes diagnosis with Dr. Polonsky and Dr. Guzman. It is a critical moment that can reverberate for years and set the tone for diabetes management. We emphasize the need for healthcare providers to address the strong negative emotions patients face, encourage hope, and provide resources like the "Don't Freak Out Booklet" to hopefully create a better diagnosis experience for people with diabetes.

A talk with Andy Bell on thriving with diabetes

Andy Bell, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14, shares his story of resilience, navigating life beyond diabetes to become a personal trainer, JDRF employee, law enforcement officer, black belt in jiu-jitsu, yoga instructor, father, and more. Recently diagnosed with another autoimmune disease, Addison's, Andy continues to embody determination and hope. Join me to learn more about his fascinating story.

Deconstructing diabetes stigma: A panel discussion

I am thrilled to share a thought-provoking panel discussion about diabetes stigma. The panel discussion aimed to shed light on the misconceptions and challenges faced by people living with diabetes. Our goal was to create a safe space to come together and discuss ongoing efforts and strategies to combat the stigma associated with diabetes.

Ginger Vieira – Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ginger Vieira, an incredible individual living with type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and fibromyalgia. We discussed her new book, Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes, and the challenges people with diabetes face when exercising. Ginger's ability to break down complex topics into digestible information is truly a gift. Her book provides practical strategies for managing blood sugar levels during exercise. With Ginger's guidance, you can learn to exercise more confidently with diabetes.

Mari Ruddy and Extreme Healing

Mari celebrating with her bike
I sat down with Mari Ruddy, a tireless advocate, successful author, and my personal hero. Mari uses her experience to empower others facing similar challenges. In our discussion, we explore Mari's journey from discovering her love for distance cycling to writing her brilliant book, 'Extreme Healing'. Listen in as she shares the highs, the lows, her strategies for dealing with chronic illness, and her passion for endurance sports. You’ll also hear her personal challenges of conquering cancer and living with diabetes. But most importantly, you'll hear about the resilience, the courage, and the unyielding spirit that has made her a beacon of hope for many.

The hypoglycemia fear syndrome

In this episode of BDI Briefs, we dive into causes, symptoms, and strategies for managing fear of hypoglycemia for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Learn about the Be Safe and Feel Safe strategies, the importance of diabetes technology, and how to regain confidence in blood sugar management.

Who moved the goalposts?

Welcome to another episode of BDI Briefs! Our aim with BDI Briefs is to take a brief look at important issues about the emotional side of diabetes. In this short discussion, Scott, Bill, and Susan ask whether striving for better-than-standards diabetes management is really worthwhile? Or could it have unintended consequences?

When providing helpful information isn’t enough: A web-based intervention to address insulin worries

Welcome to another episode of BDI Briefs! Our aim with BDI Briefs is to take a brief look at important issues about the emotional side of diabetes. In this short discussion, Scott, Bill, and Susan have a thought-provoking discussion exploring a groundbreaking study titled "Is insulin right for me?", which delves into the challenges of encouraging people with type two diabetes to consider insulin as a treatment option. The study involved a web-based intervention, and the results were surprising in ways that challenge conventional thinking.

What to do about problematic medication taking?

Welcome to another episode of BDI Briefs! Our aim with BDI Briefs is to take a brief look at important issues about the emotional side of diabetes. In this short discussion, Scott, Bill, and Susan explore problematic medication taking and what you can do about it. You may be surprised by some insights – I know I was! 

Forget about horses

I understand backup plans are a necessary part of living with diabetes. Whether you realize it or not, every time you do something, you think about the worst-case scenario with your diabetes and have a handful of solutions ready. It becomes automatic. Almost subconscious even. But don't beat yourself up if you don't know horses.

Evidence-based hope in diabetes

Image of Scott, Bill, and Susan talking about evidence-based hope in diabetes
One of our favorite subjects at BDI is evidence-based hope! We meet people with diabetes every day who are discouraged and beaten down because they feel hopeless that diabetes will cause terrible things to happen to them. We don't think that has to be true. Instead, we like to talk about what we call evidence-based hope.

Why I celebrate my diaversary

Cake with 43 on it
April marked my 43rd year with type 1 diabetes. I do think of it as a time to celebrate in a way. I don’t throw a party, or even do anything outside of my normal routine - but I do take a little bit of time to pat myself on the back and acknowledge a job mostly well done.

Fighting with perfection

Abstract image of oil paint
Diabetes is a thing surrounded by numbers. Everything is a number or is used in a calculation. We have blood sugars, units of insulin, and grams of carbohydrates. Then we take those numbers and stick them into more numbers. There is the insulin-to-carb ratio, the duration of insulin action, our correction factor, and more.

It’s not normal

Let me be clear from the start. I am thankful for every piece of medical equipment, technology, milligram, microgram, and unit of medicine I use. I am fortunate to have reasonable access to almost everything I need. I am blessed even to be alive. It wasn't that long ago that people with diabetes didn't live long. But...