Type 2 Diabetes Blogger Fights Stigma | DiabetesMine - moorewitherrom

DM) Hi Mila! We'd like to start by sharp-eared your diagnosis story…

MCB) I was 26 years old in 2016 when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The disease runs in my home, with both my mother and grandmother having physiological condition diabetes while pregnant. But when I was diagnosed, I had no idea that the symptoms I was experiencing were due to diabetes.

I was sweaty, nauseated, losing burthen rapidly, and constantly fatigued. I chalked it high to working 60 or more hours a week and not practicing enough self-care. The diagnosis was a appall to Maine.

That's only a few years ago. So did you start exploitation modern tools for your diabetes like a sho?

Passim my time living with diabetes, the thing that I always come back to is how eager I am to use technology to manage my diabetes, but how often I felt dismissed by physicians about using them because I was type 2. That made me want to dig deep into why tech wasn't as in hand for the great unwashe with type 2, or if it was vindicatory Pine Tree State.

Then which devices do you currently use?

Right now my engineering use is pretty constricted. I use a OneTouch Verio Flex meter, which syncs my data to my phone (consider information technology or not, I was tracking blood glucose numbers myself in a Google spreadsheet). Finally, I would love to use a CGM (continuous glucose Monitor), which I know is old tidings to some.

What do you do professionally?

I work as a social media specialiser for a cancer infirmary in Houston. I also turn on patient stories and interview cancer survivors about their experiences.

How did you low find out the Diabetes Online Community (Department of Commerce)?

I stumbled upon it by fortune. I was scrolling through and through Twitter one evening searching for diabetes information and I saw the #DSMA Twitter chat with a bunch of people talking about living with diabetes. I lurked for a little bit to catch the conversation, and in time, I began jump in to ask questions and connect with other people.

When did you decide to start blogging?

I started my blog, called The Hangry Woman, a couple of weeks after my diagnosis. I'd been blogging for years earlier, but I really wanted a new outlet for talking about what I was going through, and perceptive more. Now it's become a place where I show people how I'm realistic my life, and hopefully offer up some stirring. I explore the emotional and psychological sides of having type 2 diabetes. I e'er like to show people that you can live a beautiful life with case 2 diabetes.

My blog also includes lots of recipes, and everyday tips for type 2 diabetes management.

Any particular types of recipes or foods you focus along nigh?

I love constructive low-carb recipes, and there are some keto-friendly desserts that I roll in the hay creating. I try my best to create balance in my life, though. Even if I'm constantly observation my blood glucose numbers, and trying to stay in range, I feel like it's Fine to treat myself if I privation to.

You've certainly noticed a shortage of blogs about type 2 diabetes. Why do you think that is?

I think we see so few type 2 influencers because there isn't that space for us. Populate privation to feel authorised and encouraged about speaking up about their chronic illness. We have to stop defining type 2 as the "bad" type of diabetes, or else that space English hawthorn never live. I honestly didn't understand the depth of the stain until I started engaging in the biotic community. Sometimes information technology feels like your have profession will hold you low-level the bus to enjoin, "I don't have that kind of diabetes," or you often feel alone because there aren't umpteen people talking all but it.

What can we every last do collectively to address that brand?

As a community, we have to make sure in that respect is less blame aimed at people facing type 2 diabetes. I think we can collectively open up a judgment-free place for people to talk about their diabetes when they'Ra waiting. I also experience like brands whose main audience is people with diabetes rattling require to consider the touch of featuring populate with typewrite 2. Representation is so chief and seeing diverse faces and lifestyles helps people to feel like they can ingenuous upbound. In my lifetime, I hope to control the mark and shame approximately having case 2 diabetes go outside, and more voices sharing their type 2 diabetes stories.

What's the biggest transfer you've seen in diabetes just since you "joined the club" in 2016?

I would say the acceptance of peer support communities Eastern Samoa a pillar in managing diabetes. Online and in-person communities are being regarded as a way to match having a chronic illness, and the net is making it possible to connect with people more and more.

What would you most like to insure in diabetes innovation?

One really simple thing that I'd like to run into work better is how to keep insulin at consistent temperatures. I often notice the fluctuating temperature of my refrigerator when anyone at family opens and closes it, and it forever makes me wonderment if my insulin is perpetually organism stored at a proper temperature.

I besides wonder what more we can do to assistant people with type 2 diabetes prepare for natural disasters. When Hurricane Harvey hit Sam Houston in 2017, my biggest insecurity was roughly what to do with my insulin. It was in the middle of a hurricane, with the threat of losing power, that I scrambled to figure out what to do. Now I know that was the wrong time, but I wonder how people can be educated on proper preparation.

What would implore industry to cause better?

Affordability, availability and de-stigmatizing diabetes are all areas of improvement. No one should be priced proscribed of being able to conduct care of their diabetes. Additionally, the stigma and ignominy that typically comes with having diabetes needs to change.

Have you suffered any access or affordability issues yourself?

Personally, something interesting happened to ME recently. I changed jobs, and insurance, and had to make a point my insulin was covered. When I looked up coverage for my medicament, I noticed that my insulin — the equivalent insulin pen, the same brand, the same supply — cost duplicate. I can afford my insulin, but at that place is something unethical when the same product can be two such assorted prices. That greatly frustrated me because I hump I'm compensable double for something that International Relations and Security Network't worth double.

Last non to the lowest degree, what impelled you to apply for the 2019 DiabetesMine Patient Voices Contend?

I was interested because it seemed like an chance to get wind new things from other diabetes advocates and professionals, but also to share my perspective. Sometimes the voices of typecast 2 patients are minimized, and we father't often get a seat at the table.

I wanted to bring that perspective to the room, but also bring along the questions and feelings of others with type 2 WHO bear a stake in the conversation. I mean the information I learn from 'DiabetesMine University' will help Pine Tree State keep an hospitable mind more or less diabetes technology and exist a better advocate for people absolute with type 2.

Thanks for unselfish your storey, Mila!

Source: https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/type2-diabetes-blogger-texas-stigma

Posted by: moorewitherrom.blogspot.com

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