This past weekend, DiabetesSisters hosted the 4^th Leadership Institute. Designed to bring our PODS Leaders together for a weekend of training, education, and support, two dozen women gathered in Chicago to do just that. And much more.

While we hold confidentiality as a priority during the weekend, just like at our PODS Meetups all over the country, I can share that the weekend left me inspired and motivated. Since we began the PODS Meetup program in 2010, we have recruited dedicated women living with diabetes to serve as peer support community leaders. These women give so much of themselves, all while living with diabetes.

They are my heroes.

The bonds created between DiabetesSisters is special, not just in the educational sessions we offer during the course of the weekend. They extend to dinner outings, texting buddies, and lifelong friendships.

If you are a PODS Meetup member, I am grateful for your attendance to our monthly meetings all over the country. If you are interested in attending a meetup, and getting to know more women that thrive with diabetes, let us know! And if you’d like to lead a group in your community, we’d love to hear from you as well.

From my own experience, I didn’t realize the value of peer support until I became involved. And once I attended, an emptiness was filled that I never know existed. DiabetesSisters PODS Meetups provide support and education to women living with any kind of diabetes. Most importantly, they offer this support and education in a non-judgmental environment. Please join us soon.

The 2018 DiabetesSisters Leadership Institute was proudly supported by AstraZeneca, Dexcom, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Lexicon, and Sanofi. We are grateful for their support in making this weekend possible.