I had the extraordinary opportunity to chat with Stefany Shaheen, the Chief Strategy Officer of Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) and BioFab USA, about the transformative potential of cell therapies for individuals living with diabetes. Stefany shared her remarkable journey, insights on cell therapies’ current status, approval challenges, and how the diabetes community can contribute to advancing research in this field.

Sharing an AWESOME opportunity for teens with diabetes near Chandler, AZ on Saturday, March 2! The professionals at Radford Racing School are helping JDNL host the upcoming Check B4U Drive – 2024 session – a safe driving clinic for teens with diabetes!

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of BDI Briefs, I had the privilege of discussing diabetes distress versus depression with Dr. Bill Polonsky and Dr. Susan Guzman. In our conversation, we explored the misconception that people with diabetes are automatically at an increased risk of depression, highlighting that diabetes distress is a more prevalent issue.