What Advocacy Means to Me as a Person with Type 1 Diabetes

What Does Diabetes Advocacy Mean to You? | Chronically Climbing

When I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10, I felt like I didn't have that many opportunities to connect with the type 1 diabetes community.

After navigating the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually acceptance, I reached a point where I was ready to engage with others. I eagerly participated in my first Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) walk alongside Mrs. Block and her second-grade class, even though I was in the fifth grade. I saw this as a chance to connect with them and share valuable insights. I also found support in Mrs. Block, whose daughter was also living with type 1 diabetes. Her husband, Jed, even wrote a book detailing their experiences.

As I transitioned to middle school, my involvement in the diabetes community decreased. By the age of 16 or 17, I found myself once again resenting my condition. Denial hit me hard, and I became frustrated with diabetes. I struggled with the challenges of puberty, weight gain, and feelings of isolation from my friends. As a teenager, I already felt misunderstood, and having a chronic illness intensified those feelings, especially as a highly sensitive person (HSP). While I disliked this part of myself during my teenage years, I have learned as an adult to manage it better and transform what could have been weaknesses into strengths.

It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I began to re-engage with the diabetes community. I actively participated in Breakthrough T1D galas and walks, and a bike ride remains on my to-do list. I advocated for change by speaking about the importance of insulin accessibility and affordability at a Change.org All Team Event.

From my college years to the present, I have contributed numerous articles to various diabetes publications. Over the past four years, I have made it my mission to work full-time in the diabetes and healthcare sectors, seeking ways to prioritize people with diabetes in decision-making processes. I often ask myself how we can create better solutions for the underserved and underrepresented individuals who are disproportionately affected by diabetes.

I took my time to commit to this advocacy, but I believe that living with diabetes doesn’t automatically make someone an advocate. Just because you have this condition doesn’t mean you are special or a hero, nor does it mean you are required to be an advocate. Everyone reacts differently to the experience of living with a chronic illness like diabetes. Some adopt a more integrative approach, while others may engage less actively or put it front and center. All approaches are valid; you must find what’s right for you. It’s important to remember that the path to advocacy isn’t linear. You can choose to be involved at any point. Above all, you must take care of yourself to serve others best — whether they are others like you, your family, friends, or even pets.

The path to diabetes advocacy isn’t linear, and it’s not for everyone — that’s okay!

While managing diabetes daily is a significant achievement, it’s essential to recognize that living with an illness doesn’t solely define a person’s experience or dictate the course of their life.

For me, I have found my purpose in serving people with diabetes. I’ve always felt a calling to help others, but I never truly understood what that meant. As a teenager, I remember crying in my parents’ bedroom, feeling uncertain about which career path to pursue.

I had always dreamed of becoming an actress, but that dream felt far-fetched and somewhat hollow. I wanted a sense of purpose beyond what felt like a selfish desire. I was practical and concerned about the stability and security of pursuing a passion like acting.

The only clarity I found was, “I know I want to help people.” Although I’ve told myself that I haven’t been consistent on this path over the years, everything that has happened in my life has led me to this point, where I am ready to embrace this journey and act on it through my daily motivations, conversations, and decisions.

There would be no movement in advocacy without allies — those who may not be directly impacted but care deeply about the work that the diabetes community needs. As we move beyond National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM), I encourage you to consider continuing your efforts beyond November if you feel called to do so. If you do feel inspired, I thank you for pursuing your purpose. And if you do not feel called to advocate, I celebrate your authentic truth and applaud your achievements in whatever efforts you apply yourself to.