The Invisible Weight of Type 1 Diabetes with Jenna

In this episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami sits down with her friend and former coworker, Jenna Van Dusen, for an honest conversation about living with Type 1 Diabetes.Diagnosed at just two and a half years old, Jenna shares what it was like growing up constantly managing a life-threatening chronic illness while also carrying the emotional weight, stigma, and shame that often comes with it. From childhood memories of blood sugar crashes at school to navigating work, relationships, burnout, and the pressure to appear “low maintenance,” Jenna opens up about the realities most people never see.Together, Tami and Jenna discuss:The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetesThe mental and emotional toll of chronic illnessShame, stigma, and harmful cultural jokes about diabetesThe pressure to over-perform professionally while managing illnessHow wearable medical devices changed Jenna’s lifeThe fear of being perceived as “different”The invisible emotional weight of chronic diseaseLearning to ask for help and let go of perfectionismWhy speaking openly about chronic illness mattersThis episode is a powerful reminder that many people are carrying battles we cannot see and that empathy matters more than judgment.If you’ve ever struggled with shame, chronic illness, feeling different, or trying to hold it all together while appearing “fine,” this conversation will resonate deeply.You are not alone.You can connect with Jenna on LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-l-van-dusen/