The World's Worst Diabetes Mom - Diabetes Awareness with Stacey Simms
In This Episode…
The definition of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2, and what causes it 3:13
You can develop diabetes later in life 6:39
How Daree's husband's diabetes misdiagnosis led to his demise 7:20
How diabetes misdiagnosis happens 9:13
Insulin access and the insulin affordability crisis 11:30
What people without diabetes in their families need to know - 4 signs to watch out for 16:19
Being "the world's worst diabetes mom" 21:01
Success is... 25:15
Closing advice 28:36
Key Points
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Both types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, are chronic conditions that affect the way that your body regulates glucose— the sugar that's in all of the food that we eat. Glucose is the fuel for our bodies, but it can only enter the body when it is broken down by insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, so their bodies can't break down the glucose. People with Type 2 diabetes don't respond to insulin as well as they should. Later on, as the disease progresses, they may also not making enough insulin, but that condition is more about not responding. 50% of all cases of Type 1 diabetes are in adults.
Know the signs of Type 1 diabetes, called the 4 T's: thirsty, toilet, thinner, and tired.
There is a lot of blame and shame on people who have diabetes. But diabetes doesn't just happen to people who are perceived to eat poorly or not exercise.
"The world's worst diabetes mom" is about learning through your mistakes to help other people. Moms should not be afraid to talk about what they did wrong, because there's this misperception that you have to be absolutely perfect, or your child will suffer. Diabetes is hard enough without trying to be perfect.
What You Can Do
The website GetInsulin.org is a clearinghouse of all of the coupon programs. Enter your zip code, the type of insulin you need, insurance information and it shows the best coupon program for you.
As a parent, you don't have to have all the answers. Do your best, and know that everything's going to be fine.
Keep going. Don't be discouraged you're on the right track. Work hard, right, and keep it in perspective. If you have a dream, go for it. Push for the things that you really want. Learn how to speak up in that group, and don't be afraid to make your voice heard.
Connect
Stacey Simms is the host of the award-winning podcast, Diabetes Connections and the author of “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom.”
Stacey's son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006, one month before he turned two, and Stacey started blogging about her family's experience with T1D a few weeks later. For more than a decade, she hosted Charlotte’s Morning News on WBT-AM, the city’s top-rated morning radio news show.
Stacey's been named to Diabetes Forecast Magazine's "12 People to Know,” and the Charlotte Business Journal’s “Forty under 40.”
Diabetes Connections has been awarded the WEGO Health Top Ten Best in Show – Podcasts; The Podcast Awards – People’s Choice - Top Ten Health; and Diabetes Forecast Magazine: Top Diabetes Podcasts.
Stacey lives near Charlotte, NC with her husband, two children and their dog, Freckles.
