The Diabetic Mogul

Cover Image with the title   Living with type 1 diabetes presents challenges no matter where you are in the world. However, for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the obstacles are particularly daunting. While high-income countries grapple with their own set of issues, the stark reality in LMICs often revolves around having to make impossible choices or, in many cases, not having any choices at all. This blog post aims to shed light on what it's like to live with type 1 diabetes in these regions, emphasizing both the challenges and the resilience of those affected. The Reality of Living with Type 1 Diabetes in LMICs 1. Accessibility to Insulin and Supplies: In many LMICs, access to insulin and essential diabetes supplies is far from guaranteed. Unlike in high-income countries where insulin is relatively more accessible, people with type 1 diabetes in LMICs often face shortages. This scarcity forces individuals and families to make heart-wrenching decisions, such as ...

Call to Action Introduction As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, so does the financial burden associated with its management. Predictions from trusted sources like the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicate that the health budget for diabetes alone could reach over a trillion US dollars soon. This staggering figure is driven by various factors, including the lack of access to diabetes necessities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to increased hospitalizations. Healthcare systems must pivot towards a model focused on prevention and effective management to mitigate these costs and improve outcomes for people with diabetes. The Financial Burden of Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations. These complications often result in hospitalizations, which are costly and strain healthcare systems. According to the IDF, t...

Women & Diabetes Symposium – Indonesia Introducing Our Guest Contributor: Anita Sabidi AnitaSabidi is an artist, illustrator, and designer from Jakarta, Indonesia, living with type 1 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, and asthma. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, Anita has turned her personal health challenges into a mission to raise awareness and advocate for improved healthcare access. She collaborates with Indonesia's diabetes community organizations, such as PERSADIA, IKADAR, and the NCD Alliance Indonesia. She uses her creative talents to design educational materials and customized diabetes wear that help children and families understand diabetes better. Anita's dedication extends to organizing workshops and educational programs to address the unique challenges faced by people living with multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indonesia. Empowering Women through Awareness and Education The Women & Diabetes Symposium aims to increase awareness of the unique ...

  Background On June 22, 2024, we held a transformative co-creation workshop at the UNICEF offices in Harare, bringing together over 60 participants, including healthcare professionals (Medical Doctors and Nurses), school teachers, civil society organizations leaders, renowned NCDs Advocates, children and parents living with severe non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 1 Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Congenital/Rheumatic Heart Disease, and those impacted by  Asthma . This significant milestone marked a strategic shift in focus from communicable diseases to NCDs, highlighting the evolving health landscape and the pressing need to address these chronic conditions that affect many lives. Our primary aim was to build a supportive community, amplify the voices of those living with NCDs, and bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. Introduction The workshop was more than just a meeting; it was a crucial moment for advocacy and collaboration. Participants en...

Coral, T1D since 03/16 Welcome to our guest blog, where we have the honor of featuring the insightful perspective of Shelsea Deng , a dedicated advocate for children with chronic conditions. In this compelling piece, Shelsea shares her journey advocating for her daughter, Coral, who was diagnosed with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes at a very young age. Through her experiences, Shelsea sheds light on the challenges faced by families dealing with chronic conditions in the education system. Shelsea, Coral & Kaila In your experience, how has stigma and discrimination affected your child's education and daily life? My first-born daughter, Coral, was diagnosed with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes at 15 months old on March 11, 2016, back home in Oahu, HI. Type 1 diabetes is very rare among Asians and even rarer in Native Hawaiians (we are part of the "AANHPI" community and also part Native American). Consequently, I have often been confronted with a barrage of questions and misconcep...

Cover Image Under the directive of Dr. I. Ticklay and Certified Diabetes Educator Tinotenda Dzikiti, the Pediatric Diabetes Workshop was held with immense success. This event, supported by Public Relations facilitators from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals— Leona Matope and Paul Nyambabvu—and featuring an array of distinguished speakers, brought together a vibrant and engaged audience of over 110 participants. Our esteemed speakers included Dr. P. Matyanga-Mureriwa, Dr. T. Siwela, Dr. T. Gomo, Mrs. Pfumbi, and diabetes advocates Yemurai Machirori, Rufaro Gororo, and Heather Koga, along with the SolidarMed team: NCD nurses. Joyline Chihota, Ruth Hlongwane, Annastacia Makudo, Judah Mapope and Unity Maziti. This collaborative effort truly embodied our theme of “Empowering Families Living with Type 1 Diabetes.” Some of the Facilitators Highlighting Key Sessions Dr. Prisca Mureriwa’s session on understanding type 1 and type 2 diabetes was both comprehensive and engaging. She not only ...