Independence Day can also mark diabetes-independence
Posted Jul 04 2011 7:10pm
As we gather over the grill with
family and friends, hoist a few or compete in the hot dog eating contest on
Coney Island's boardwalk, I'm also thinking about how we move toward greater
independence living with diabetes.I shared the article below about
the value of peer-mentoring with Mr. Teng Liak, the awe-inspiring,
forward-thinking CEO of the new outstanding hospital in Singapore, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where I visited in May. Mr. Liak wrote back, "The
world has completely changed under us. For the first time in human history,
good quality information and knowledge is available 24/7 for free to everyone. We,
the so called "experts," no longer have the monopoly to knowledge.
Great big headache for those living in the past. Great opportunities and relief
for those willing to take full advantage of the changed environment."I couldn't agree more. It's also an opportunity
to health care providers to babysit their patients less and patients to take
treatment into their own hands, as HCPs recognize their patients as
experts - on their condition, particularly if chronic, and their life, and as
patients realize their responsibility in their treatment. That to me is
diabetes-independence. Those who participated in the peer-mentoring study
below, joined with a fellow patient trained to help them, and then became more
able to help themselves. Again, independence.A crucial key to independent living with
diabetes is continued learning. In support of that I'm off this week to
Children With Diabetes' annual conference 'Friends for Life.' I'm giving three programs
- one on flourishing with Diabetes, another on inspired Diabetes
Self-Management and another on tools to live our best life. is at the
biggest gathering of parents of children with type 1 diabetes, and this year
for the first time, type 1 adults. When I went in 2007 it was enough for me to just
walk the halls and help parents frightened for their children see that they can
grow up and have healthy, happy - independent - lives. I'm looking forward to
that again.
I also love that Friends for Life is a unique
and charged environment for friendship, support and learning, and that we get
to gather and hang awhile with those who "get it" and then go off -
often with friendships that last a lifetime - and though them stronger than
before.
As we gather over the grill with family and friends, hoist a few or compete in the hot dog eating contest on Coney Island's boardwalk, I'm also thinking about how we move toward greater independence living with diabetes.I also love that Friends for Life is a unique and charged environment for friendship, support and learning, and that we get to gather and hang awhile with those who "get it" and then go off - often with friendships that last a lifetime - and though them stronger than before.