Learn about what really matters to people living with diabetes around the world.
Insights, Stories & Perspectives
The #dedoc° blog features articles and opinion pieces written by our international network of diabetes advocates: the #dedoc° voices. From scientific conferences to the latest diabetes research and technology, from challenges faced by those living with diabetes to global disparities in healthcare, our #dedoc° voices cover it all.
Diabetes advocates wishing to contribute to the #dedoc° blog are welcome to submit a guest post using the link below.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch — we love to hear from you, and so do thousands of others!
All opinions are those of the authors.
Contact: blog@dedoc.org
It Takes a Village: From Writing Lessons to Diabetes Self-Management
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience teaching academic writing and her lived experience with type 1 diabetes, Linda Smith-Brecheisen explores an unexpected question: What can dissertation writing teach us about diabetes self-management? Adapted from her presentation at the 2026 Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC), this thought-provoking piece argues that the same principles that help graduate writers succeed—incremental daily practice, SMART goals, peer accountability, and communities of practice—can also help people with diabetes build sustainable self-management habits. Bridging medical rhetoric, writing pedagogy, and diabetes advocacy, Linda offers a fresh perspective on how education can reshape the way we support people living with chronic conditions.
What Jaipur taught me: Diabetes Should Not Be a Character Test
For thirteen years, Heather believed her type 2 diabetes diagnosis was the result of a personal failure. Attending the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma in Jaipur challenged that belief and helped her recognize the burden of internalized stigma she had quietly carried for years. In this deeply personal reflection, Heather explores how blame, language, and misconceptions can shape the lives of people living with diabetes, often with lasting consequences for their wellbeing and care. Her story is a powerful reminder that diabetes is not a character test—and that replacing judgment with understanding is essential to ending diabetes stigma.
Paying It Forward: One #dedoc° Voice Driving Change
Lisa Gier shares how attending the 2024 ADA Scientific Sessions through #dedoc° inspired her to advocate for the implementation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at her local airport in Boise, Idaho. What began as a simple conversation became a powerful reminder that advocacy often starts with small actions and grows through persistence, community, and the courage to use one’s voice. Her story reflects the spirit of #PayItForward and the belief that lived experience belongs in every conversation shaping the future of diabetes and disability inclusion.
My First International Trip with T1D
Travelling abroad for the first time, and doing it solo, was a long-held dream that felt harder to reach as costs rose and much of his family’s income went toward insulin and treatment. Yet stepping into this journey filled him with pride, fear, and excitement all at once. From lost luggage to breathtaking views at the Duomo, Florence gave Apoorv new experiences, new friends, and a new understanding of himself. The #voicesº community made everything lighter, and the kindness received reminded him of the blessings of his parents, his faith, and Hanuman ji guiding him every step of the way.
Diabetes and Coeliac Disease: Tips for travelling while eating gluten free
Managing both diabetes and coeliac disease while travelling can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to stop you from exploring the world! In this blog post, #dedoc° voice Sophie Miller shares her first experience travelling to Thailand, balancing blood sugars while also navigating gluten-free meals abroad. From translation cards and dietetic associations to suitcase essentials and flight meal hacks, Sophie’s practical tips highlight that, with a little preparation, it is possible to travel safely, gluten free, and still enjoy local culture and cuisine.