Real User Stories
Diabetes Awareness: How to Advocate for Yourself and Others
Published: Nov. 13, 2025
5 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
A diabetes diagnosis can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. If you're reading this, you might be one of the millions navigating this journey—or maybe you're supporting someone who is. The good news is, there are so many people around the world who are dedicated to making other people with diabetes feel seen, heard and supported.
To honor individuals advocating for people with diabetes, Dexcom held an open call for the ‘next diabetes advocates’ earlier this year, gathering submissions from real people to raise awareness about diabetes through their own stories on a global scale.
Dexcom selected who will be given the opportunity to advocate on behalf of people with diabetes everywhere as part of Dexcom’s campaign for World Diabetes Day on November 14 and beyond. These advocates range in age, come from different countries and backgrounds and represent various types of diabetes; what they all have in common is a willingness to open up about their journeys to help others.
Many of these advocates have lived with diabetes for many years, so we asked them and their caregivers for advice on how to advocate for yourself and others with diabetes, whether that’s at school, work, home or at a doctor’s office.
Get comfortable talking about diabetes at work or school
People newly diagnosed with diabetes may be worried about the misconceptions colleagues or classmates may have around diabetes. They might be nervous they’ll get questions about their medical devices or medications. We asked our advocates and their caregivers how they navigate conversations about diabetes with classmates, teachers and coworkers.
Ben Schwinof received a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis two years ago, and it came as a huge surprise. “I didn’t know I had diabetes because I never went to the doctor,” he shared. Since then, he has opened up and spoken with many of his coworkers about diabetes in an effort to help others be more proactive about their health. “Now, I am a big advocate for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes through things like improved health habits – physical and mental – and if possible using products like the Dexcom G7 to monitor your numbers,” Ben said.
Recently, a colleague approached Ben asking, “Hey, I’m prediabetic, can we talk about that sometime?” After sharing what he had learned from his own experience, Ben felt rewarded to learn his coworker has already started to improve his A1C.
Isabelle Da Silva, a kindergartner who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 14 months old, has an advocate in her mom, who is dedicated to educating people about diabetes at her daughter’s school.
“I’ve met with all of Isabelle’s teachers and coaches to discuss daily management and safety tips. I’m also sharing informational handouts to kids and their parents for Diabetes Awareness Month in November with educational handouts for Isabelle’s classmates and their parents,” said her mom, Dana
11-year-old Tai’yon Allen-Walker recently educated his teachers and classmates about his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2024.
“I show my friends my Dexcom G7 and explain what it does. And at the beginning of the year, I tell my teachers about my diabetes and explain how I manage it. This education helps them understand what I need without making my diagnosis a big deal.”
For Bruce Moss, who's lived with Type 1 diabetes for over thirty years, being open with colleagues is a practical matter. “Situations happen with diabetes. It’s important for those around you to understand behavior that is not usual for you and what it means. You want those around you to be able to assist when needed,” he shared.
Have open conversations with friends and family
Friends and family can serve as incredibly helpful support systems in managing diabetes. Sometimes, the people closest to you want to help, but they might not know how. Diabetes can make you feel invisible when you’re the only one who knows how it’s affecting you at a given moment. We asked our advocates how they prioritize open communication with their loved ones to ensure they feel understood in their diabetes journeys.
Maria Alejandra Jove Valerio was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at seven years old and finds true understanding in giving others a close-up of her management.
“By including loved ones in your diabetes management, you help them understand the invisible battles we face every day. Simple acts like letting them help you change your site or showing them how you count carbs and bolus for meals go a long way.”
Sofia Pansini, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes since 2018, focuses on productive conversations that improves others’ knowledge about diabetes.
“I always lead with an understanding that I am sharing something I know so much about, but others may not, which is totally OK. I remind myself that my experience managing my diabetes is personal and that I don’t blame anyone for certain misconceptions about diabetes. My conversation with them can only benefit their understanding of diabetes.”
Find a doctor who makes you comfortable
Doctor’s appointments can be anxiety-inducing for some people. They can feel rushed, and you might be nervous to tell your doctor about something that’s bothering you in fear of judgement. However, it’s important to trust your intuition and remind yourself that your care team is there to support you. We asked our advocates for some practical advice about finding the right healthcare providers for you and speaking up during appointments.
Kaye Peterson has 42 years of experience with Type 1 diabetes, and she stresses the importance of finding a doctor who makes you feel comfortable so you can speak up for yourself.
“Talk to other people with diabetes or caregivers for recommendations. Make sure you find someone who talks to you in a way you understand. Ultimately, you are your own best advocate. Don’t be afraid to speak up!”
Tajah Russell, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 18 years ago, believes in finding a provider who wants to partner with you on achieving your health goals.
“I always remind others: you are the CEO of your care team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say when something doesn’t feel right. I look for providers who see me as a partner — who listen, respect my lived experience, and help me find balance, not perfection.”
Trust Yourself
Remember, everyone’s experience with diabetes is unique, and you should feel empowered to your own balance in managing it while advocating for yourself and others. As Tajah said, “You are the expert on your body — own that truth. Advocacy doesn’t always have to be loud; sometimes it’s asking questions at your appointment, correcting a misconception, or choosing rest when you need it. You deserve to be heard, respected, and supported — always.”
If you have not yet spoken to your healthcare provider about the latest diabetes management technology, such as a Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, now may be the time to take the next step for your health.
Our telehealth option makes it easier than ever. If you’re interested in getting on Dexcom G7, the next step is to get a prescription. If you don’t have a doctor or prefer to talk to one in the comfort of your home, book a telehealth appointment now.
Get started on Dexcom G7
If you are living with diabetes and not using a CGM, we can help get you started. Click the button below to send us some basic information.
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BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safetyinformation and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
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