Episode 6: Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Stigma and its Impact

In collaboration with university diabetes campus clubs, DHF hosts and panelists explore media representation of diabetes and discusses effective strategies for self-advocating and reducing type 1 diabetes stigma.

Hosts: Rav Samra, Aastha Relan (McMaster Diabetes Association), Heather Miller, Matt Paccione Panelists: Tasfia (Diabetes Awareness Society at UofT Scarborough), Amal (DHF Scholarship recipient), Nathaniel (DHF Program Facilitator), Makayla (uOttawa Team Diabetes), Geoffry (The Diabetes Link uWindsor), Carmel (The Diabetes Link uWindsor)

Episode 5: Don't Sugar Coat It - Diabetes, Identity and the Media

Join us for an unfiltered conversation, exploring how T1D is portrayed in the media and how those portrayals shape how we see ourselves.

Don’t Sugar Coat It is a collaborative event by Diabetes Hope Foundation with university Campus Clubs: Type 1 Diabetes Awareness UofT, The Diabetes Awareness Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, The Diabetes Link UofT, Dalhousie Diabetes Awareness Society, UW Diabetes Association, The Diabetes Link TMU, The Diabetes Link @ Western, Western Diabetes Association and Project Glycore. Hosted by: Rav Samra and Afreen Nagra

Episode 4: Unique Careers with T1d

This webinar features retired Toronto Districe Fire Chief Peter Atkins, marine biologist Scotia Brailsford, ski instructor Camille Vibert, and ballet dancer/massage therapist David Campbell!

Our guest speakers share their experiences managing T1D in physically demanding and unconventional careers - the challenges, strategies, and tips that help them thrive.

Host: Abbi Cloth, Diabetes Hope Foundation Program Facilitator

Episode 4: Get to know Alex, an emergency department nurse who works on the front-lines and lives with T1D, in this episode of Diabuddy Dialogue. Alex shares how she got into nursing and how she strikes a balance between her personal health and patient care. This discussion, which covers topics such as burnout, technology, self-advocacy, and educating others, is an important reminder that T1Ds are the experts on their own bodies and that their voice matters.

Hosted by: Aastha and Rav

Guest speaker: Alex Kupferschmidt

Episode 3: In this Diabuddy Dialogue episode, we speak with Rugia, who became an advocate for maternal health because of her experience navigating pregnancy with T1D. She highlights important gaps in maternal healthcare and education that are all too frequently overlooked. We explore the importance of equity and access for pregnant folks living with diabetes, as well as what actual change might look like. This examination of advocacy, resiliency, and the struggle for improved maternal care is compelling - and necessary.

Hosted by: Aastha and Afreen Guest speaker: Rugia Malik

Resources:

1. Research article
2. Healthy Moms diabetes website

Part 2 of this podcast features a panel of Diabetes Hope Scholarship recipients—some living with multiple diagnoses—who share their insights on managing diabetes alongside other health conditions.

Dr. Vallis explores the gap between mental wellness and physical health, emphasizing the importance of empowering adults with type 1 diabetes within the healthcare system. He offers strategies to help individuals experiencing distress or managing complex conditions advocate for themselves, build supportive relationships with their healthcare team, and ensure their voices are heard. Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care. Hosts: Barbara Pasternak (CEO, Founder, Diabetes Hope Foundation) and Alexx B. DHF Alumni Panel: Kristin H., Allie M., Logan B., Janet B., and Ki S.

Episode 2 (T1D Talks): "Unpacking T1D with Dr. Michael Vallis" - Part 1

Dr. Vallis discusses the emotional burden of managing type 1 diabetes, how to manage distress, how to overcome barriers to change while promoting self-compassion, and how to communicate to those around you - family, friends and medical professionals - how to best support you. Featuring a panel of Diabetes Hope Scholarship recipients, some with multiple diagnoses. Dr. Vallis is a registered health psychologist based in Halifax, Canada. he is a Health Behaviour change Consultant and Associate Professor in Family Medicine at Dalhousie University. His main area of expertise is adult health psychology, with an emphasis on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risk and gastroenterology. He spends most of his time training healthcare providers in behaviour change for chronic disease management. He was recently awarded a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Government of Canada.

Sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care. Moderators: Barbara Pasternak (CEO, Founder, Diabetes Hope Foundation) and Alexx B.

Episode 2: In this episode of Diabuddy Dialogue, we chat with our guest, Tasfia, about having T1D and how it affects her family relationships, her mom’s shared but different experiences, and how she dealt with stigma in the South Asian community. We discuss how labels can shape our lives and we also look at the flip side: how to find meaning in navigating T1D, creating communities, and empowering others. Do we define diabetes, or does it define us? Hosted by names: Aastha and Afreen Guest speaker: Tasfia Rayhan