Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since the age of five. I’m still using pens & syringes for insulin doses but I’m currently in transistion to begin using a pump. I’m really excited for this new change because I feel that with my eating habits and active lifestyle the pump will give me that flexibility.

I studied Marketing and Finance at Ryerson University. I graduated in the spring of 2008.

I love to run! I picked up running about five years ago out of curiousity from fellow runners in my neighbourhood. My first attempt didn’t go so well. But I didn’t quit just yet and kept at it until eventually I built up my endurance. Running (and being active, in general) has greatly improved my health, especially when it comes to managing my diabetes.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was strict starting out. I never felt like I had the flexibility to change things around on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays with shorter acting insulin, as well as carb-counting, it’s now my insulin intake adjusting to me rather than the other way around.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. In May of 2010, I ran my first full marathon (42.2km). At first I was intimidated by the distance. But as training went on and the mileage gradually increased I was able to adjust my insulin and food intake accordingly and received a lot of great advice along the way. I wanted to do this to prove to myself (and to others) that diabetes doesn’t have be what’s stopping you from achieving whatever goals you have in mind. Since then I’ve ran a total of five marathons which includes: Toronto, Vancouver, and the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld (half and full marathon in the same weekend).

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Other than running, I also work out at a gym and play a variety of sports with some friends for fun. I just recently ran the Toronto marathon and achieved a new personal best with my time.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Beautiful Day- U2
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Going On- Gnarls Barkley
The Love Song- k-os
Jammin’ – Bob Marley

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506980817

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. Born 2 minutes apart, Alex was first diagnosed at 18 months, and Andrew was diagnosed at the age of 7.  We have never looked at diabetes as a handicap, and have accomplished much in both academics, sports and travel!  Both of us are currently on the pump.  University was spent at Queen’s, McMaster and UofT pursuing education in medicine and engineering.  Our parents are our role models for providing us with a healthy and hardworking ethic both in work and play!

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It has gotten much easier, less painful, and more flexible since we were first diagnosed.  Using a pump has made a world of a difference in allowing for discreet dosing and minor interruptions to our daily life.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Top 40!

Q. What are the coolest thing you’ve done as people with diabetes?
A. We have canoe-tripped in Algonquin, snowboarded in Whistler, backpacked in Europe, camped in the Middle East, hiked in South America, and eaten lots of strange foods in Asia!  Not because we are diabetic, but because diabetes does not control us!  A recent great opportunity for us was to speak at the annual Diabetes Day weekend at the Hospital for Sick Children, our childhood hospital, to let other diabetics know that there are no restrictions with this disease!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. We always love to be active!  Growing up as competitive swimmers, we were fortunate enough to be medalists at the high school OFSAA championships, as well as record holders within our swimming region!  We have been a member of volleyball, basketball, inner-tube waterpolo, dragon boat, cross-country, rugby, ultimate frisbee teams and many more!  No sport is out of our scope, and we embrace the work hard, play hard mentality!

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
A. http://www.facebook.com/aanda.yeung

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2002 at the age of 22.  I have been on the pump for 2.5 years now.  I’m an outdoor enthusiast and endurance addict.  I studied Architectural Technology and I’m a residential design/drafter.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. I was diagnosed in 2002 so I was on pen needles.  I had syringes for my Lantus.  Switching to the pump has its hassles but makes life so much easier for an exercise addict like myself.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I went to Taiwan and taught English for 2 years.  I backpacked around Asia for 4 months visiting Thailand, India, Laos and Cambodia.  I’ve camped in the dead of winter and the sweltering heat of summer.

I would like Diabetes to take me places and help educate others.  I want to get more involved in the community.  Most importantly I’d like to meet other like-minded D-folks in my area.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Long distance runner and endurance cyclist.  I’ve ran some half marathons, the 30k around the bay race here in Hamilton and I’m now training for my first marathon.  I regularly cycle hundreds of kilometers every summer.  I love going to the gym and working out.

I’ve completed some solo backpacking trips and even got air lifted off the west coast trail by helicopter.

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
A. www.canadiandgal.blogspot.com

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago at the age of 10 and have been on the insulin pump for the past nine years. Also, for the past year I have been on the sensor and love it!  I am currently studying Finance and Marketing at the University of New Hampshire. I also am a member of their Division-1 Ski Team. When I have free time I love to spend quality time with my friends and family.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. When I was first diagnosed I was on Humalin and Humalog injections. After a year of needles I decided that the pump would be more flexible for my active lifestyle. I have definitely struggled balancing my athletics and diabetes over the years but with the support of my family, doctors and new technology I am always making improvements to my diabetes management. I currently am on an insulin pump an wear the sensor 24/7.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. A few months after I was diagnosed in 2001 I attended Camp Banting- the diabetes camp in Ottawa. After that first two week camp full of laughter, crazy costumes, outdoor activities, dybo friendships and a place to feel comfortable with my diabetes I was hooked! I have worked for Banting ever since I was 15 as a counselor, lifeguard, rover, and Waterfront Director. I love contributing to the magic of Banting as it gives children, living with type 1 diabetes, two weeks of fun,  a chance to make lifelong friends, and a huge boost in their self confidence that they can carry on forever. I love camp and don’t intend on leaving anytime soon.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I have been a ski racer for the past 8 years and it has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people, travel, and work hard.

When I am not skiing or training for skiing I love running, swimming, playing tennis and pretty much anything outdoors!

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had diabetes for 9 years now.  I was on the pump years ago then went to MDI and now trying to go back on the pump! Exhausting! I’m currently finishing my Psychology degree at the University of Ottawa.  I am in love with sports (hockey, soccer, rugby, baseball, basketball, volleyball etc. etc. etc.) and anything to do with staying active including outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking and FISHING!  My family has been the biggest support of all, they are a wonderful bunch that keep me smiling and going day to day.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. At first, I was told ” ‘X’ amount of starch, fruits and vegetables”.  This included following strict times for snacks and meals.  Now, with MDI, I am taking two doses of Lantus a day with Humalog every time I eat.  This is all in hopes of one day being able to go on the Pump!

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. John Mayer – Vultures
Lupe Fiasco – Til I Get There
LCD Soundsystem – Daft Punk Is Playing at My House (London Session)
Duck Sauce – Barbara Streisand
Hollerado – Julliette

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I have traveled to Rome, France and the United Kingdom (twice) all being diabetic which have been some of the best experiences of my life.  I would have to say my biggest accomplishment to date however, would be my 8 year streak as a counsellor and leader at Camp Banting.  Recently I have programmed, planned and implemented the Junior Leadership program which focuses on youth aged 14-15 with type-1 diabetes.  We teach the youth hard, outdoor skills such as survival techniques, fire building and orienteering.  In 2007, I had the honour of being named Male Counsellor of the year.  Camp Banting is my home away from home!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Currently, I am playing hockey at least 2 times a week (sometimes up to 3 times a week!).  In the winter I am able to go to the outdoor rinks, whenever school is willing to let me go.  The summer brings much of the same and I am able to keep enjoying hockey at least once a week.  I have played lots of rugby in the past and was captain and MVP of my high school team.  That same year I was named to the Eastern all-star team, and continued to play club for a U18 city team.
In the summer, I enjoy camping when time permits and I am able to escape.  If not, I enjoy fishing at my cottage for hours on end.  Not to mention any game of pick-up I can find – baseball, basketball, volleyball or tennis!

Follow Russell on Twitter: @BigrussT

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had diabetes for 13 years now and only began really connecting with other diabetics this year, through sports camps for type 1′s. It has been one of the most encouraging things for me to see other diabetics being active and fighting to stay healthy.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. I took shots for 11 years before switching to the insulin pump… and I would not go back to the “old methods” again!!

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Held, by Natalie Grant
My Generation, by Starfield
There will be a day, by Jeremy Camp
Homesick, by Mercy Me
Crazy little thing called love

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. 2 sprint triathlons in summer of 2010 (Boulder, Colorado and Montreal, Quebec)

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I enjoy triathlon training and weight training but when I really want to relax and have fun, I go hiking, cross-country skiing or simply enjoy the outdoors

Q. Where are you from?
A. I grew up in southern New Hampshire and lived there until I went to college in central New York.  After that, I settled in Ithaca, NY.

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on July 9, 2003, so it’s been about 8 years living with diabetes now. I’m currently using an Animas Ping insulin pump/meter and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was awful! I was on NPH which is a slow acting (~4-6hr) insulin and Novolog. I had to carry the two vials everywhere I went, and mix them in a syringe which is not a very fun thing to do in public. My first HbA1c was 5.4%, which was only because I had so many bad lows from the random peaking times of NPH. Within a year I was using Novopen Jr with Novolog and a shot of Lantus (a 24-hour insulin) once a day. I finally decided to get an Animas pump (was IR1200 at the time) when I realized that 8+ shots a day was too much for me.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. My most played songs are several of the long techno remixes by Paul Oakenfold and Ministry of Sound. I’m also frequently listening to hits on the radio and NPR podcasts. More recently I’ve been finding really great covers like Sunny Choi playing pop music on piano, and if I need a good laugh I just search YouTube for ukulele covers.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. If I had to pick a single event that was a great accomplishment with diabetes, I think it would be my first cycling tour. I spent weeks planning out a route around Lake Ontario and figuring out exactly what to bring without overpacking. I set out in early May of 2009 by myself on my bike loaded with just enough gear for the 1040km trip in 8 days. I stayed with some really great hosts along the way that fed me very well considering I was burning about 6-8,000 Calories per day. I set my basal rates to -90%, and hardly bolused for meals, averaging only about 15 units a day! Being so active kept my sugars in range for a week straight, so I’m really excited to do a similar trip this year – possibly around Lake Erie this time.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I have a big list of sports and have been looking to try out as many as I can, hoping to stick with a few that I really love. I got a hang gliders pilot license in college, though now I live in a place without any hang gliding nearby unfortunately. My main sport these days is cycling, and I’ve rode over 16,000km in the past 3 years. In the warmer months, I’ve been getting out on the windy days learning how to windsurf on Cayuga Lake,and kayaking when the wind isn’t there. This winter I’ve been learning how to cross-country ski and I am really enjoying that. I also love backpacking in any season too.

Website/Links: My journal for bike touring – http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/geekguyandy
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/andygoodell
Twitter – http://twitter.com/diabeticcyclist
My journal for bike touring – http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/geekguyandy
My blog for cycling rides – http://geekguyandy.wordpress.com/

Q. Where are you from?
A.

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed at the end of July 2009 at age 20. I work for a local conservation authority during the summer months, spending a lot of time outside while completing environmental field work. My hobbies include Nature Photography, Dancing, Painting, Hiking and Canoeing. I have a great support system which include my parents Lynn and Brian, my boyfriend and my friends.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. My Treatment has gone through many changes since diagnosis in July 2009.  In the first 3 months, my sugars were controlled with strict dietary modifications, without the help of insulin/medication. In September 2009 I was rediagnoised as a “Type 1.5″ by my endocrinologist. I started medication usually used for Type 2 patients in 2010 (metformin and januvia). Then I was re-diagnosed back to Type 1 in October 2010 as pancreas function rapidly declined. I began Lantus prescribed in November 2010 with Metformin pills for 1 month. In Decomber 2010 I began MDI’s of Apidra and Lantus and discontinued the oral medications. As of May 17, 2011, I now use the Medtronic Paradigm Veo pump!

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I learned to Cook and adopted much healthier eating habits after i was diagnosed.  I also participated in the JDRF walk in Belleville in May 2010, participating again in 2011 with a large group of friends and family! I attended my first Connected in Motion Event, Winter Slipstream 2011, and have since been out to the 2011 Summer Canoe Trip. I’m already registered for Winter Slipstream 2012!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I was a Dancer for 14 years (began at age 5), which included tap, jazz and acro. I was an assistant dance teacher in my last 2 years. Had to discontinue dance when I moved away to school, but I am currently taking a recreational dance class, and dancing whenever I can!

I love spending time outside, whether it be with work, or on my leisure time. My cottage is one of my favorite places to be, where i enjoy hiking, biking and canoeing and in the summer.

Website: http://meredithmillerphotography.webs.com/

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I got diabetes when I was 12 yrs old, turning 27 this year. I am currently taking Lantus and Novo rapid insulin….and am currently waiting (anxiously) for the endocronologist to call so I can go in and see about getting the pump! Ms.Steepe has convinced me

I’ve always been an outdoor enthusiast. So much so that I went to school for Conservation Enforcement and and worked as a Resource Officer out in Manitoba. Falcon Lake is my second home! I moved back to Alberta a couple yrs ago to be closer to my family and am now doing odd jobs as I go back to school to become a personal trainer!

Back to the outdoors……My fiance and I are rock climbers, ice climbers, skiers, hikers, snowshoers, winter and summer campers, mountain bikers, ice skaters, hunters, fishers…we dabble in all the activities!

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. When i was first diagnosed I started with good old fashioned NPH and Toronto insulin……I injected 2x a day…..7am and 6pm. I stayed that way for sooooo many years, then was told about lantus and novo rapid. So that’s what I have been using for a few years now….

Testing my blood sugar was like clock work when first diagnosed….I had a mum that was all over it like white on rice! 4-6x daily……then i went through a period where i felt i didn’t have to test as much through the day (must have been teenage angst). Today I am testing about 4x daily(minimum), gives me piece of mind and I find I have better control!!!!

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Songs are hard to narrow down…..Top 5 artists I am currently listening to on the ol’ ipod are:

Florence and the Machine
Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
The Prodigy
Rihanna
oh…and the song Your Name by Swedish House Mafia

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A.T o stay active, besides going outdoors, I do Crossfit….started about 4yrs ago and I fell in love…every workout is different and you are constantly in competition with yourself to beat past times, and personal records. It’s very rewarding! I would love to one day compete in the Crossfit games…..one day……..I am also a hot yoga enthusiast!

Q. Where are you from?
A.

Q. What’s your story?
A. Although I was raised in the city, I was exposed to the wilderness at an early age through camping with Scouts Canada. I have been to Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Park and other places throughout Ontario where I have hiked and canoed. I also know my fair share about trees as my dad is a forester and this past summer I worked for a tree removal company. So the outdoors is in my veins!

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. 26 units of lantus with a novorapid ratio of 1 unit to 9 grams of carbohydrates and it’s been trial and error ever since.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Lust for Life- Iggy Pop, Wasted- Lil Wayne, Don’t Touch Me- Busta Rhymes, Mambo Gozon- Tito Puentes, La Fille au Cheuveux de Lin- Claude Debussy

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I find it extremely fascinating how much my blood sugars fluctuate when I exercise and how it spikes when I eat. I now understand the strain the pancreas must go through on a daily basis with how 5.5ers’ treat them.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Going to (or should I say living) at the YMCA doing spin classes and lifting weights. Camping and being outdoors. Choosing to walk wherever I go rather than take the bus.

Q. Where are you from?
A. I am from Edmonton, AB, but now find myself settled in the Moncton NB area, with stops in Jasper, Ft Mac, and Dallas TX along the way

Q. What’s your story?
A. March 2011 will be 28 yrs with diabetes.  I was exclusively an MDIer, and struggled for many years.  Diabetes kicked my ass left and right, and eventually things progressed to the point where I was a candidate for the Edmonton Protocol. I had 2 transplants in 05 and 07, and I’m now 5 years and counting insulin free!
I am a library technician by training, but a jack of all trades by choice.  Love computer stuff, TV shows, and reading.

Married for 3+ years, actually started dating about 2 weeks after my 1st transplant.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was brutal – Ultralente, Lente and Toronto insulin – mixing Toronto and Lente in a syringe.  60 second glucometer that weighed 12 lbs – life is way better now tech wise for peeps with diabetes.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Soundgarden – Fell on Black Days
Foo Fighters – Best of You
30 Seconds to Mars – This is War
U2 – Mysterious Ways
Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The Impression That I Get

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. Obviously having the transplant and being insulin free is my great opportunity, and I try to make the most of it by talking and inspiring others – sharing a cautionary tale, and stressing the importance of research.

I will be doing a presentation in Dubai in 2011 at the IDF conference there – so that is pretty cool too.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I wish I had great positive diabetes role models when I was growing up.  Life would have been easier for sure.  I strongly believe that the more active you are with your diabetes, the better life you lead – through talking to hundreds of PWDs.

I walk, I work, but I confess I like the life of leisure

Q. Do you have a website or blog that you’d like featured?
A. www.jasonturner.ca/blog

Q. What’s your story?
A. I have been diabetic for 23 years, I was diagnosed in 1987 at the ripe ol’ age of 3. Since 2006 I have been a proud pumper. Before that I was injecting up to 6 times a day, as well as testing up to 8 times a day… kinda felt like a pin-cushion!

I live with my boyfriend of 4 years; Ashley and our 2 dogs, Cracker and Caius. Straight out of highschool I went to Flemming College for the law clerk program.  I hated it and quit after realizing I didn’t want to be behind a desk as a pencil pusher the rest of my life (no offence to office workers!). I then worked in the construction field for 5 years paving roads. One day in the winter I had the idea to go back to school, so I did! I took the Dental Office, Chairside Assistant Intr-oral Level 2 program at Everest College, graduated with honours and have been working in the dental field for almost 2 years now!

I am in love with the outdoors. Any chance I get I’m strapping on my hiking boots to head out into the bush (no trail necessary; just a map, compass and mother nature herself). Or I’m loading my wonderful boyfriend and two dogs into our canoe to head off to remote lakes, tiny creeks, wide rivers and the odd over-flow pond.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. 2 Needles a day (morning and night) Humulin NPH and Humulin R, and test four times daily.

I’m now a pumper using Novorapid and I test upwards of six times per day.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. “Something” The Beatles
“Dead leaves on the dirty ground” White Stripes
“Milk” Kings of Leon
“Wild Mountian Honey” Steve Miller Band
“The Weight” The Band

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I always like to say that diabetes has given me so much more in my life than it has taken away, and that’s nothing but the truth.
I’ve traveled across seas to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Northern and Southern Ireland. I’ve also been to a lot of places in South America.

My family were always avid Nascar fans growing up, so I got the opportunity to meet a lot of drivers.  Bill Elliot actually bought me my very first sugar-free ice cream when I was 7!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Canoeing
Hiking
Kayaking
Biking
Generally being outdoors!

My claim to fame is paddling 48kms in one day on one crazy trip with Ashley and Cracker (we didn’t have Caius at this point) it included a 2km portage.

Q. Where are you from?

A. I was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario! I go to school in London, Ontario but, by far, Brantford is where I call home.

Q. What’s your Story?
A. I was diagnosed with diabetes on March 13th, 2009 and have been living with diabetes for just over one year. I began managing my diabetes using injections but have recently become a pumper!

I am currently going to school at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario and will be attending Kings/Western University in the Fall of 2011.

My hobbies include doing anything creative (especially scrapbooking and writing). I also like to run! My entire family–my fifteen-year-old sister, Abby; my mom, Donna; and my Dad, Mike–have all participated in Connected in Motion events, as has my boyfriend of a year and a half, Clinton! I also have some awesome friends (like Sam and Michelle!) who like to come out to events as well. I have an amazing team of supporters!

I believe that I have been given a great opportunity because of my diabetes to reach out to so many other diabetics around the world through my blog (check it out at http://kaylaslifenotes.blogspot.com)

I have also been featured in my local newspaper a few times which has allowed me to express just how much diabetes has changed me (in a good way!)

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Moment 4 Life – Nicki Minaj
Coming Home – Diddy ft. Skylar Grey
Hello –  Martin Solveig &Dragonette
Avril Lavigne – What the Hell
Knock Out – Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Wayne

Q. What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

A. I credit being diagnosed with diabetes just over a year ago for pushing me to become a better and more involved person. Before my diagnosis, I was no where near as active and involved as I am now.  Since being diagnosed with diabetes, I have competed in two 5k adventure races, played in a beach volleyball tournament and met a lot of amazing people!

To stay active, I like to run and ride my bike.  I also enjoy rock climbing and just simply playing around outside!  You can often find me outside hiking on trails or just playing around with a ball.

Blog

Keep up to date on my adventures by following my blog at: http://kaylaslifenotes.blogspot.com/

Q. Where are you from?
A.

Q. What’s your story?
A. At age four, I had a very dramatic introduction to life with diabetes – taking a nosedive into a hamburger at a family function. My personality has always been very self-reliant, even at this early age, and I was quickly able to learn how to contribute to my own care. My desire to meet others living with diabetes translated into nearly a decade of attending Camp Huronda in Huntsville, Ontario.

At age 17, I moved to Kingston to attend Queen’s University where I studied Psychology and Environmental Science for four fabulous years. During this time, I was lucky to get involved with research projects on campus and earn a job as a Campus Tour Guide. I also became very close with Diabetes Hope Foundation, using my own successes to help support others as they pursue post-secondary education and get involved in the non-profit realm.

Being able to use an insulin pump has been a huge contributor to the quality of my life – it allows me to be more flexible with my choices, take on new activities, travel independently as part of my job, and disrupt daily routines on occasion! After recently upgrading my computer, I look forward to trying out new pump software to better manage my diabetes while on the road.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. My biggest achievement with diabetes has been related to solo travel. I have been fortunate to frequent Canada’s west coast for work, where I tend to take advantage of every moment of my free time to explore amazing local features as recommended by friends (Stanley Park is a favourite but I have been all over the lower mainland and the south part of Vancouver Island). This summer, I trekked east for the first time to see beautiful Nova Scotia (highlights included hiking in Cape Breton, attempting to whale-watch from Cheticamp, kayaking in Lunenberg, and dipping my toes in the cool waters of Hubbards and Sand Dollar beaches). Growing up with a supportive diabetic community has given me the luxury of knowing I can tackle anything with a little prep work! I guess this is the right time to declare a big thank you to those that have given me the inspiration to try all that I have, and to continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Q. How do you keep ‘in motion’?
A. In high school, I was very excited about the team part of team sports (basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and baseball, for example). Kayaking and waterskiing were added to that list as I began to spend more time in the Muskoka area, and for a time I even dabbled in downhill ski and flatwater canoe instruction. Indulging my more adventurous side, I did a little zip lining and bungee in Costa Rica. I was also able to try out scuba for a trip to Jamaica, though I much prefer to be on the water than in it! I still love spending time with people and taking advantage of the outdoors whenever I can through camping, hiking, and travel. I would love to try paragliding at some point… connections, anyone?