Influence for Impact: How Public Voices Drive Diabetes Awareness

In the 60th episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Dr. Paula Diab sits down with Mr. South Africa contestant Darryn Webster and online influencer Kirsten De Klerk to discuss how they leverage their public profiles to promote diabetes awareness. Together, Darryn and Kirsten are dedicated to educating others about the signs and symptoms of diabetes and empowering people to thrive while living with the condition. Darryn raises awareness through his celebrity platform as a Mr. South Africa contestant, while Kirsten inspires and connects with the diabetes community through her Instagram initiative, "Everyday is Diabetes Day," where she shares resources and leads charitable efforts. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ The importance of connection in diabetes management. ✔️ We are stronger when united with one voice. ✔️ The value of sharing your story in high profile places. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUESTS: Dr. Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. She earned her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2000 and then returned to her home province of KwaZulu-Natal to establish her career and continue her post-graduate studies. She is certified as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in the US. Despite carrying the burden of being the only member of the IDS clinical team without type 1 Diabetes, her skills and passion for diabetes care & education are exemplary (she did successfully manage her own gestational diabetes during her pregnancies). Darryn Webster works in medical sales and is currently competing in the Mr. South Africa competition. His campaign focus is diabetes awareness. With so many South Africans currently diagnosed with the disease, Darryn has seen firsthand through his work just how widespread and misunderstood diabetes is. He plans to use the Mr. South Africa platform to spread education, awareness, and support to those living with it. Kirsten De Klerk began her Instagram account, Everyday is diabetes day as a way to keep herself accountable in managing her type 1 diabetes. As her following grew, Kirsten became a diabetes advocate. She is the co-founder of SA Diabetes Advocacy, an IDF Young Leader in Diabetes, and a Campaign Manager at Treeshake. CHAPTERS: 00:13 Welcome and Introduction 02:01 Meet Darryn Webster, Mr. South Africa Contestant 02:56 Meet Kirsten De Klerk, diabetes advocate 06:14 Every day is diabetes day 10:28 How a bid to be Mr. South Africa is helping the diabetes community 14:25 With diabetes awareness comes improved health outcomes 17:33 The value of a lived experience in diabetes awareness and education 21:55 When Darryn wins Mr. South Africa 26:27 How to partner with Kristen’s diabetes efforts 28:52 Everyone has a role to play in diabetes advocacy RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.instagram.com/everydayisdiabetesday/ South Africa Diabetes Advocacy  https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/ Treeshake https://treeshake.com/ Sweet Life https://sweetlife.org.za/ Mr. South Africa https://www.mrsa.co.za/event-list The Burden of Diabetes and Self-Advocacy https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-efpit-196bb75   CONNECT WITH US 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode. Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.