Episode 74: Smile on My Heart with Ivan

First thing first, there are barriers for everyone living with T1D to be their best. Imagine this, with modern technology and medicine you were able to view how people across the world managed T1D but you and the community you serve every single day are fighting, struggling, traveling afar on foot and by bike to not only get the insulin youneed but to also give insulin to other warriors in need. This is life with T1D in Uganda and these warriors are more than proud to be able to aid others in just living life. This is why Ivan smiles. "It is a badge of honor to livewith Type One Diabetes."--IvanIvan at 16 started feeling thirsty and losing weight and told his school nurse about the frequent urination, she told him to go drink more water. That lasted for 4 weeks and then he was in and out of the hospital. That Birthed a lawyer that is passionate about T1D!In this conversation Ivan talks about how in rural areas some people with T1D go missing because families can't affordto care for T1D. Families can't afford to care for children with T1D and it being a great burden. Get to know Ivan @moivanivanA great challenge is for people that were diagnosed as kids, the people that make the decisions in healthcare that haveseen you grow up as a child they still see you as a child and you aren't often given the opportunity to speak as anadvocate because you are still seen as a child. With Ivan being a lawyer and advocate he is able to speak up and sharehow young people with diabetes feel and their needs.