Why This Diabetes Podcast Is Dedicated to You

Let's face it - the chances of you meeting someone like me are pretty slim. You live with type 2 diabetes. I am a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). Hopefully, given this amazing platform called Type2Diabetes.com, you've heard of a CDCES, even if you've never had the opportunity to visit with one.

The odds of working with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Well, for starters, there are not many of us and a large number of you. In 2016, there were less than 20,000 CDCES in U.S.¹ That’s one CDCES for every 1700 people with diabetes.² And, as you’re joined by more and more people receiving a diabetes diagnosis, it’s likely this gap will continue to grow.

To top it off, over 93% of people with private insurance, and 96% of people with Medicare, NEVER receive diabetes self-management training (DSMT) within a year of diagnosis.³ And, DSMT is where you’ll find most CDCES.

To make matters worse, finding support through other medical sources can be difficult, too. Your medical provider typically only sees you for diabetes care 15-20 minutes quarterly throughout the year.

All of this combined creates a HUGE gap between your everyday life with diabetes and support from your medical team.

The consequence of the diabetes information gap

Unfortunately, that gap is usually filled with misconceptions, misunderstandings, and stigmas about type 2 diabetes. It can be very hard to find reliable, research-based information - and if you try to go to the source (an actual diabetes research paper), it's full of medical lingo and complicated biology. So, sifting through articles, trying to gauge what's legit and what's not, and troubleshooting diabetes concerns via Google or loved ones can get confusing quickly!

Creating a podcast to bridge the gap

That’s why Type2andYou with Meg (my podcast) is my passion project. I want to build a bridge across that gap and reach a hand out to you. I want to slay type 2 diabetes misconceptions and stigmas with the sharp sword of knowledge and good ol' fashioned common sense. It's the first (and as of this writing, the only) podcast by a CDCES dedicated to those living with type 2 diabetes. I created it for YOU!

Type2andYou with Meg is usually only 15 minutes and broken down into three parts: Topic of the Day, Diabetes Dilemma, and Takeaway of the Day. While each section has its qualities, I enjoy the Diabetes Dilemma section the most - it allows me to connect with you in the way I LOVE. Troubleshooting a diabetes concern or problem, normalizing feelings of frustration or guilt, or providing guidance on how to tackle a situation. Sometimes, I even connect listeners to other CDCES who can help them navigate their dilemma in a one-on-one setting!

Connection diabetes professionals and patients

About once a month, I'm joined by other CDCES, health professionals, or people with diabetes to discuss special diabetes topics. Guests have included nationally-recognized dietitians, pharmacists, nurses, and social workers. I've enjoyed the conversations and connections with both guests and listeners! It means the world to be part of people's journeys. That's why I do what I do, on and off the podcast! I belThat'shose living with diabetes DESERVE compassion, support, tools, options, and advocacy.

So, what do you say we buck the odds and "meet" up on Type2andYou with Meg? Let's put diabetes in" its "place, together.