Celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month: Advice from a Fellow Medtronic Champion

Diabetes Awareness Month advice

My name is Kris, and I’m a #MedtronicChampion who has been living with diabetes since 2013. As we celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month, I want to share some insights from my personal journey living with diabetes. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, I hope these tips provide some comfort and guidance.
 

People with diabetes can live a normal life

Diabetes Awareness Month is about reducing the stigma around diabetes. Although we tend to focus on educating those without diabetes, sometimes people with diabetes need to hear these things too. This is for my fellow diabetes community: you can live a normal life. 

You can have cereal for breakfast, or a piece of cake for dessert. You can eat anything you want; you just have to prepare for it in advance with insulin. 

When I was diagnosed, the information we received from doctors and nurses was really alarming — before I even got home from the hospital, my wife had started cleaning out our fridge and cabinets, and she spent almost four hours in the grocery store trying to figure out what I could eat now that I had diabetes — it really shocked us in a way that wasn’t totally accurate.
 
One time I was eating a cookie, and someone asked if I could have that with diabetes. I said yes…because I’ve already bolused for it!
 

Diabetes management is not one-size-fits-all

There are various options available, and it’s crucial to find what works best for your lifestyle. Ask yourself if you want a solution that does most of the work for you, or if you prefer not to be attached to a pump. You might start with insulin pens and later switch to a pump, or vice versa. The important thing is to explore and experience different methods to see what suits you best. Of course, you’ll want to talk to your healthcare provider as you make these decisions.

There’s a wealth of information and products out there, so take the time to find your perfect fit. Medtronic has resources about smart insulin pen systems and automated insulin delivery systems for you to check out as well.

The importance of diabetes support groups

Having a strong support system is invaluable. My wife has been my rock, attending all my appointments, making notes on my highs and lows, and asking questions I might not have thought of. She’s taken on my diagnosis as our diagnosis, and her support has been crucial. 
 

The #MedtronicChampion community has been great as well. Hearing real stories and experiences from people who understand what you’re going through can provide invaluable support and honest conversations. 

Bottom line: having someone in your corner who learns with you, holds you accountable, and supports you every step of the way can make a significant difference in your diabetes journey.
 

Don’t let diabetes bring you down

It’s easy to feel down when things don’t go as planned. I recently spoke with a young woman who was upset because her A1C had increased, and her doctor made her feel bad about it. I really felt bad for her because I know exactly how that feels. I’ve also had times when I felt like I wanted to cry at poor doctor visits when it feels more like a lecture or scolding than a collaboration for improvement. 

There are days when you do everything you’re supposed to and your numbers still don’t seem to work out, and it sucks when you’re trying your best! So, remember to go easy on yourself.

Living with diabetes is a continuous learning experience, but with the right mindset, support, and management strategies, you can lead a fulfilling life. This Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s celebrate our resilience and commitment to living well with diabetes.
 

Guest writer: Kris Leeper, #MedtronicChampion