I work with individuals to create a more steady and sustainable approach to their health, and with organizations to make sure the way they talk about it actually reflects real life.

Hi, I'm Julia!

I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for over 22 years, and that experience shapes how I see health, behavior, and the way we navigate complex lives.

Through my work at Chronically You, I help people and health-focused organizations make sense of those experiences—and communicate them with clarity, credibility, and humanity.

MY STORY

What brings you to this site?

Chronically Courageous Health Coaching

Chronically Creative Content Marketing Services

Chronically Climbing Blog

Not sure yet. I want to look around!

Chronically Climbing Blog

Insights, personal reflections, and essays to inspire transformation

Food Isn't Just About Nutrition for People with Diabetes

Food Isn't Just About Nutrition for People with Diabetes March is National Nutrition Month, but when it comes to food and diabetes, it’s not just about nutrition. If your relationship with food and diabetes makes you feel like you’re dating Steven DeMarco, I beg you to keep reading. Food isn't just about nutrition for people with diabetes: it's usually so much more Food isn’t just food for people with diabetes Sometimes, it’s medicine. Sometimes, it’s guilt. Sometimes, it’s s

Mar 9

Language Matters in Health Spaces

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from working in health spaces is this: Language matters. More than we think.

Mar 2

What the Movie "F*ck Valentine's Day" Gets Right and Wrong About Diabetes

We need to talk about what the movie "F*ck Valentine's Day gets right and wrong about diabetes because I cannot take another cheap shot at it from Hollywood. Ugh!

Feb 25

Why I Will Always Support Other Health Coaches

We become better health coaches when we lift each other up. Collaboration reflects the very heart of coaching! This is why I'll always support other health coaches. (And why you should, too.) Your clients and business will thank you!

Feb 23

Wisconsin's 2026 Insulin Copay Cap: Progress, Perspective, and the Work Ahead

Wisconsin lawmakers are once again considering insulin affordability legislation—this time in the form of a proposed insulin copay cap set to take effect in 2026 if passed. While the details differ, the core issue remains the same: how do we reduce the financial burden of insulin in a healthcare system that often leaves people navigating complexity alone?

Feb 16

Food Shame Was Never the Answer for People with Type 1 Diabetes

Food shame is never the answer for people with type 1 diabetes. I'm living proof. This is how I help clients overcome it, too.

Feb 9

How AI Can Help You Build Your Health Coaching Business

Do you use AI to build your health coaching business? Here are some safe, practical ways to integrate it so you can focus more on what matters: serving your clients and building your program.

Feb 2

Justice for the Em Dash

I'm mad at ChatGPT for taking away my em dash. We're taking a break from our regularly scheduled diabetes insights, personal essays, and reflections to give the em dash justice.

Jan 26

The Problem with 'Diabetes-friendly' Food Labels

Not all food labels that claim to be diabetes-friendly are created equal. Be a curious consumer! Understanding how to read nutrition labels will help ensure you're adding body-friendly items to your grocery cart. Here's the problem I have with most diabetes-friendly food labels...

Jan 19