Hi, I'm Julia!

I'm a content and social media marketing specialist, writer, and editor, specializing in diabetes and healthcare. I'm a pro at patient storytelling and behavior-change communication.

I believe the way we communicate about health matters.

My work brings over 12 years of experience in writing, editing, content, and social media marketing with a deep understanding of chronic illness, diabetes, and the people navigating them.

I’m interested in what happens when marketing goes beyond awareness—when the right story, message, or strategy can change how someone thinks, feels, or acts.

MY STORY

Chronically Climbing Blog

Children Are a Choice, Not a Default

Why do women still have to defend choosing not to have children? This is a personal reflection on authenticity, autonomy, and respecting every path to fulfillment.

Julia Flaherty

Jul 304 min read

Community Was the Mirror, Not the Answer

A note before you read: The reflections in this essay are based on my own experiences and observations after years of participating in the diabetes online community. They won't reflect everyone's experience, nor are they meant to. I've also met countless people who make this community welcoming, generous, and supportive. My hope isn't to criticize the community, but to encourage a conversation about how we continue making space for one another. Community Was the Mirror, Not t

Julia Flaherty

Jul 285 min read

Changing the Name of Type 1 Diabetes Probably Won't Help You

Changing the name of type 1 diabetes probably won't help you. This post explains why it could do more harm than good for people living with all types of diabetes.

Julia Flaherty

May 174 min read

Food Isn't Just About Food for People with Diabetes

Food Isn't Just About Nutrition for People with Diabetes

For people with diabetes, food isn't simple. It's carb calculations, insulin dosing decisions, peer pressure, and stress rolled into our favorite foods.

Julia Flaherty

Mar 95 min read

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.

Julia Flaherty

Mar 22 min read

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!

Julia Flaherty

Feb 253 min read

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?

Julia Flaherty

Feb 165 min read

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.

Julia Flaherty

Jan 266 min read

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...

Julia Flaherty

Jan 194 min read

Don't Give Consideration Where You're Not Considered

"Don't give consideration where you're not considered" is one of those phrases that sounds empowering on its own, but can feel sharp or even dismissive without context. It's often shared as a reminder to protect your energy, set boundaries, and stop overextending yourself in spaces that don't value you. And in many cases, that reminder is necessary. But the phrase can also become a shortcut when in the wrong hands or in the wrong frame of mind.

Julia Flaherty

Jan 123 min read