The Genetic Diabetic Uses Her Blog to Be Uplift Her Community
Diseases
Endocrine Disease
Issues and Challenges
CJ has encountered: Access to Expert Providers, Caregiving, Discrimination (nonmedical), Gaslighting, Medical Devices, Medical Discrimination, Transparency in Health Care, Underserved Community
My Story
After a routine doctor's appointment in March 2019, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Although I was not symptomatic, I knew of our deep family history of diabetes, including my father, both grandmothers, a sibling who was diagnosed a week earlier, and gestational diabetes with two of my three pregnancies.
My thin body type has made me particularly vulnerable to medical discrimination since my diagnosis. Additionally, because I am not insulin-dependent, I have limited access to medical devices such as a continuous glucose monitor.
My goal as a patient's advocate is to educate and inspire others about diabetes so they can get tested for their A1C levels and insulin levels, and find out if they are genetically predisposed to it. I also address diabetes stigma, medical gaslighting, and equal medical treatment options for all people living with diabetes.
I am the author of "The Genetic Diabetic" blog where I talk about various topics related to diabetes. I'm also a contributor to the Type 2 Diabetes Community and a moderator. I am an active member of DiabetesSisters, an advocate for the American Diabetes Association, and an ambassador for the Chronic Disease Coalition, Diabeaters, Lyfe Bulb and IDF's Blue Circle Voices. Sharing my story and inspiring others in online diabetic communities is an important part of my daily life.
My Motivation and Inspiration
My family has always been my source of motivation and inspiration. I became increasingly determined to be the voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves as I became aware of my family's medical history and the lack of quality care, medical discrimination, and gaslighting.
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