Why Community Matters in Diabetes Care with Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC

Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC, joins Scott to talk about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: diabetes can be incredibly isolating, and community can change everything.

Mila shares her own diagnosis story, including years of being misdiagnosed and the exhausting fight to be believed. From there, the conversation explores what makes a community truly supportive (and what can make it feel unsafe), why “lurking” is a legitimate and valuable way to begin, and how to take one small step toward connection even if you’ve been managing diabetes alone for a long time.

What You'll Learn

• Why diabetes can feel so isolating, and why stigma makes it worse
• What it’s like to advocate for yourself when necessary
• How to spot a community that’s supportive (and avoid one that’s not)
• Why moderation and “tone-setting” matter in peer spaces
• The value of “lurking” as a low-pressure entry point to connection
• A simple first step to building peer support: one DM, one friend, one connection

Key Quotes

• “It took so much fighting, and it took so much energy and effort, just trying to be believed in a system that already doesn't believe people who look like me.” – Mila Clarke
• “I felt like I'm in this prison of my own body and I just want to know what's wrong.” – Mila Clarke
• “I think that community is so vital, truly, like our shared experience means so, so much.” – Mila Clarke
• “Just don't give up on community because it can be so amazing.” – Mila Clarke

Resources & Links

• Mila’s recipes + work: https://hangrywoman.com/
• Glucose Guide community: https://glucoseguide.app/
• Community Partner Spotlight: You’re Just My Type
  • https://yourjustmytype.org/

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org