On this episode we get to hear from Mary @t1dartistry

Mary is an ambassador for Eversense CGM and has been for 5 years! Mary was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 18, during her freshmen year of college.

On this episode Mary invites us into her world and her truths. This includes discussions regarding the birth of her son. Although, her the duration of her pregnancy was pretty smooth and she had the best glucose results, during the last few weeks things changed drastically.

Mary was given predisone at 37 weeks, which shot her blood sugar up! In turn, during her next stress test, she was told that her baby wasn't moving. Mary asked them to deliver her baby. She was denied, even though he weighed over 10lbs.

The next day, she went back and they delivered her baby, and his heart rate was only 25 bpm. He had meconium aspiration, which hardened his lungs and heart, and led to him not being able to breathe. Mary also had fibroids. She lost 2 liters of blood and ended up with Sheehan syndrome (when you lose your blood and pituitary strengths) and needed transfusions. Now, all of her hormones are injured forever because of that.

Throughout this conversation, Mary speaks to us! Everyone in the community needs to listen to the strength of this Queen!

On this episode, we head to the Midwest and visit Marcus in Cincinnati. Marcus was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 15. This year marks Marcus' 25th year with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

His diagnosis was a true traumatic experience for a young, fit athlete, and for the first few days after diagnosis, he did fall into a state of slumber depression. This was until his dad tapped him on his shoulder and said, "Just listen."

25 years ago, Marcus' diagnosis was not what we see and know it to be today. He started with NPH and Regular insulin. There was no wiggle room back then. His parents were his greatest advocates during those early years.

He remembers making sure every time he went out of the house to go through his checklist of everything needed. Marcus owned his diabetes from day 1. A lot of this is because of his anger with this diagnosis.

25 years ago his mom was his CGM. She made sure that she understood what it looked like when his blood sugar would fluctuate.

Marcus and his wife were on the Netflix series "I Do," which aired in 2020, where he and his wife were given a second chance at their dream wedding.

Follow Marcus along his journey @marcouslacour

Step into the world of Jayla. Jayla is a 24-year-old Detroit native and recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University. With a career in radio and digital marketing, her aspiration is to become an influencer and advocate for individuals like her to thrive even with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes. Jayla was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes the summer before high school at the age of 14. With being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes for 10 years, she’s navigated her health journey through community and advocacy throughout many of the rooms she’s stepped in. In the end she hopes to be able to teach others, reach out to others, and inspire others.

Jayla is the Miss Atlanta Clark University 2024-2025 and in May graduated Magna Cum Laude

Connect with Jayla on Instagram @indigoyah