I am currently attending the annual meeting and exhibition for my professional organization: the American Association of Diabetes Educators. AADE is a group that started meeting 40 years ago, and strives to improve the work of diabetes educators.
The annual meeting is a great time to attend sessions that provide a fresh look at particular areas of our work, and there are always some great keynote speakers. On Wednesday I heard Phil Southerland speak: Phil founded Team Type 1, a professional bike racing team. Phil has had type 1 diabetes since he was 7 months old. Team Type 1 is now Team Novo Nordisk, and from what I have heard and read appears to be comprised of all racers with type 1 diabetes.
Phil spoke about a turning point in his diabetes life when he realized the choice to manage his diabetes and determine his success or failure and health or lack of it, was his to make. He said that when he’s racing, he doesn’t fail because of diabetes, he fails because he didn’t manage his diabetes properly (and it sounds like he doesn’t fail very often). Another important point Phil made was that it’s never too late to change.
The last few AADE annual meetings that I’ve attended have given me an opportunity to witness the impressive grassroots work that’s happening by and for people with diabetes. Phil and the folks at Team Novo Nordisk are just one example. There are many opportunities for people with diabetes to connect and participate – all for the sake of empowering people with diabetes to manage their disease, get and stay healthy, and go out into the world and enjoy life.
It’s inspiring to see so much energy put toward living well with diabetes.