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In today's episode, I sit down with Ashley Sparks, who was diagnosed with T1D at just 14 years old—during the first days of her freshman year of high school. What should have been a straightforward diagnosis quickly turned into a traumatic experience when doctors dismissed her symptoms and wrongly accused her of being pregnant instead of running basic diagnostic tests.

Ashley shares her powerful journey from misdiagnosis and dismissal to becoming a confident self-advocate in her diabetes care. She opens up about navigating high school as the only student with T1D, being denied basic accommodations, and learning—often the hard way—how to speak up for herself in medical settings.

• Misdiagnosis and dismissal—especially for young women with diabetes—still happen far too often.
• You are allowed to question doctors, change providers, and advocate for yourself.
• Living with diabetes every day gives you insight no textbook can teach.
• Insurance barriers can directly impact health outcomes and emotional well-being.
• Movement, routine, and mental health support can dramatically improve diabetes stability.
• There is no “perfect diabetic”—and chasing perfection often leads to burnout.
• Eat the cookie. Bolus for it. Live your life.
• Community connection can be one of the most powerful tools for mental health with T1D.

Ashley's Instagram:

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
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Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

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