Rather than tell you about the Weekend for Women Conference in my words this month....I'd like to share a poem we received anonymously from a recent Conference attendee:
DiabetesSisters because...
A room full of beeps and alarms
and I realize I'm not alone in this fight.
Talking about the subjects I didn't
realize other people thought about too (sex with a pump!)
Attending every year has kept me
from falling into diabetes burnout again.
A friend who gets it in a way no one else really does.
The inspiration to grab my health horse
by the reins and get control again.
Have a great Spring!
Founder & CEO
24+ Triumphant (NOT Perfect!) Years with Diabetes
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DEPRESSION: WOMEN WITH DIABETES
The rate of depression in people with diabetes is much higher than in the general population. Women experience depression about twice as often as men. The risk of depression increases in women with diabetes.
Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women such as: menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses, such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.
Studies have shown individuals who are insulin-resistant may have higher serotonin concentrations and may be more prone to depression and even suicide. Women with diabetes may be more likely to suffer depression because of the clinical diagnosis.
Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities.
Sources: American Diabetes Association, National Institute of Mental Health
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SISTER SPOTLIGHT: HARMEET CHHABRA
Harmeet was raised in India, where society views women with diabetes differently. She currently resides in Massachusetts. Below are some excerpts from her Sister Spotlight essay about how diabetes has affected her life.
Life in the United States is very different from when I was living in India. In my experience, there was not much awareness about the disease in India, even in a large city. No one understood why I was taking insulin injections or why I had to test my sugar multiple times during the day; they thought simply not eating white sugar would cure the disease.
I was excluded from social activities. In my twenties, my so called "best friend" did not let me see her new born baby because she thought her baby would get the disease if I held her.
I feel more at ease talking about my medical problems in the United States, as opposed to the 20 years in India where I had to hide it as if I had committed a crime.
As much as I appreciate the high quality of the healthcare system in the US, I believe organizations such as JDRF, ADA and DiabetesSisters offer more practical solutions and support to diabetics. I believe someone who is diabetic can offer more real life solutions and support to other diabetics. After all, only a wearer knows where the shoe pinches. Continue reading
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UPDATE: WEEKEND FOR WOMEN CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, DC
A SUCCESS!
Women from all walks of life convened in Washington, DC, the weekend of April 25 for the 7th Weekend for Women Conference.
Attendees participated in sessions led by renowned diabetes experts such as Gary Scheiner,
MS, CDE, Susan Weiner, RD, MS, CDE, CDN, Natalie Strand, MD, and Ginger Vieira.
Attendees are saying:
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Claudia Graham, MPH, PhD, was presented the 2014 DiabetesSisters' Inspiration Award |
Biggest "I will" statement for this week after Susan Weiner's talk? Start carrying a blood glucose meter everywhere, even work, where I have yet to disclose diabetes. - Rachel
All I can say to those who have not attended ... get yourself to the next conference!!! It was warm, supportive, informational and inspirational. I feel like I have 60 new best friends all living daily with diabetes!!! They all "get it!" - Karen
Amazing weekend with some amazing people! - Chiara
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Kerri Sparling, sponsored by Animas, led a session on technology |
I dreamed last night that DiabetesSisters extended the conference for the rest of the week and we all hung out. Wishful dreaming? - Leann
The bonding that happens between women with diabetes at these events is truly remarkable! But another part that I have found so rewarding through the years is the knowledge and motivation gained through connections and sessions to keep me empowered. - Stacey
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Conference attendees have lived a combined 923 years with diabetes. |
We are grateful for the support of our Weekend for Women Conference sponsors
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Building a sisterhood of strong, lasting relationships between women with diabetes is at the core of DiabetesSisters' mission. We believe no woman should be alone in her diabetes journey because the support of peers - other women who understand what it's like to live with diabetes - changes lives.
"Having my DiabetesSisters grounds me, it means I don't have to go through the ups and downs of diabetes alone. My DiabetesSisters are always there for me... when I need support, to vent or ask questions. It gives me the strength, courage and confidence I need to live a healthy life." --Diane Butler, type 1 diabetes
Every day, DiabetesSisters is there for Diane and more than 10,000 women with diabetes. Our programs connect them through peer support, education and advocacy that improves their health and quality of life. We invite you to be part of expanding that network of sisterhood and strength by joining our new Sister Strength Monthly Giving program.
Set up your monthly gift today: Together we will build a stronger future for women with diabetes!
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THE TOP 5 SIGNS OF DIABETES BURNOUT
(webinar ID: 139-748-643)
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Have you been feeling a little "BLAH" about your diabetes lately? Please join us for a highly informative Life Class Webinar, The Top 5 Signs of Diabetes Burnout led by Rhonda Merwin, PhD of Duke University's Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences on May 14, 2014 at 4 p.m.
This 30-minute webinar will discuss important signs of burnout and help attendees better understand what they can do to overcome burnout and identify when professional help is needed.
Previous Webinar:
Women, Diabetes & Heart Disease
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Princeton PODS Leaders Karen (l) and Robin (r), along with PODS member Cindy (c), at our 2014 Weekend for Women Conference in Washington, DC
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