Self-Advocacy Tips with T1D

Navigating life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, even for those who are highly prepared and well-equipped. In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Rob Howe, diabetes advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the long-standing podcast "Diabetics Doing Things, about his journey as a former high-level college and professional basketball player who has lived with T1D for 20 years.

Rob shares his experience being diagnosed at 16, the courage it took to be upfront about T1D during his college recruiting process, and the mental anguish of balancing elite athletics with blood sugar management. The conversation digs into why living well with T1D requires managing the physical, mental, social, and often-overlooked financial aspects of life. Ultimately, Rob emphasizes that self-advocacy is a vital skill and a muscle you can build.

What You’ll Learn

• Why T1D is still incredibly difficult, even for the "most well-equipped person".
• The four main categories of life T1D impacts: physical, mental, financial, and social.
• How the financial strain and lack of insurance can put people with diabetes into a constant state of "fight or flight".
• Why making a friend with diabetes is considered Rob's "biggest life hack" for T1D management.
• That self-advocacy can show up as small acts, like simply asking for orange juice when your blood sugar is low.
• The importance of separating your self-worth from your diabetes outcomes.

Key Quotes

• "It's overwhelming. It's a crazy amount of things that it takes to live well with diabetes." – Rob Howe
• "Your diabetes management and the outcomes of it aren't a report card on your value as a person." – Rob Howe
• "In my life, my resilience or capacity moves around and changes based on the other things, the normal things in life that we all deal with, too." – Scott K. Johnson

Resources & Links

• 🌐 Learn more or apply to join: bluecirclehealth.org
• 💬 Follow us on social media: @bluecirclehealth on Instagram and Facebook
• 🧾 Community Partner Spotlight: Connected in Motion – Learn more about their T1D communities, camps, and the new Platinum Club for adults aged 55 and above at connectedinmotion.ca