This episode is supported by Thrivable. Thrivable’s mission is to create a better future together. They achieve this by making it easy for healthcare companies to include the patient's voice in their decisions so they can create transformative treatments and products for you.
And for listeners of Diabetics Doing Things, Thrivable has multiple opportunities for you to earn money for sharing your story, your insights and your lived experience for companies who produce and design products for people with diabetes. You can participate in online surveys and earn up to $75 per hour and join in-person studies to earn up to $800 per study.
To sign up, just go to thrivable.app/rob and create a profile. It only takes a few minutes. Then, just wait for study invitations, participate in a paid diabetes research study and get compensated for your time.
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In this podcast episode, Dr. Charles Loftis, a type 1 diabetic and sports performance therapist for the Portland Trail Blazers, shares his diagnosis story and the challenges of living with diabetes. The conversation covers topics such as diabetes diagnosis, lifestyle adjustments, emotional struggles, the impact of technology in diabetes management, community support, managing diabetes in a sports team, traveling with diabetes, and balancing a career in sports performance coaching while dealing with diabetes.
This episode also includes the opening of the Mailbag! If you want to submit your question, email mailbag@diabeticsdoingthings.com.
Topics discussed:
Diabetes Diagnosis and Lifestyle Adjustments
Doc shares his diagnosis story and the challenges he faced despite being fit and health-conscious.
Importance of nuanced diabetes diagnosis and understanding insulin dosing and carb counting post-diagnosis.
Emotional and practical challenges of accepting the diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and educational aspects of managing the condition.
Community Support and Awareness
Sharing a diabetes diagnosis publicly and receiving support from the community.
Importance of connections within the diabetes community, using personal experiences to educate and raise awareness.
Impact of technology in diabetes management and societal perceptions of wearing devices.
Managing Diabetes in Sports Performance
Challenges of managing blood sugar levels during physical activities.
Recognizing symptoms, handling medical emergencies, and communicating about diabetes within a sports team.
Strategies for managing diabetes while traveling with a professional sports team.
Career in Sports Performance Coaching with Diabetes
Balancing a demanding lifestyle as a sports performance coach for elite athletes.
Importance of personal routines, sacrifices made for success, and advice for individuals with diabetes pursuing careers in sports.
Understanding the individuality of athletes and the impact of personal experiences on inspiring others.
Perspectives and Empathy
Reflections on how living with diabetes has shaped perspectives and empathy.
Valuable life lessons learned from dealing with a chronic condition.
Gratitude for growth and insight gained through unique experiences with diabetes.
Key takeaways:
Acceptance and positivity are crucial in facing the challenges of living with diabetes.
Community support and connections within the diabetes community play a significant role in managing the condition.
Understanding the individuality of athletes and the importance of communication in sports teams are essential for diabetes management.
Personal experiences with diabetes can inspire and support others facing similar struggles.
Gratitude and growth can be found in the unique experiences and challenges posed by living with diabetes.
00:00 Unlocking the Story of a Type 1 Diabetic NBA Sports Performance Therapist
09:05 Navigating the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Living with Type 1 Diabetes
14:33 Embracing the Diabetes Community: A Journey of Support and Inspiration
20:43 Navigating Life with Diabetes: Challenges, Awareness, and Acceptance
28:38 Navigating Diabetes in a Sports Performance Team
31:45 Managing Diabetes and NBA Travel: A Pro's Guide
36:57 Navigating Life as a Sports Performance Coach Working with Elite Athletes and Diabetes
46:57 Exciting Basketball Clinics and Heartfelt Conversations: A Peek into Diabetes Community Connections
48:33 Rob & Eritrea Open the Mailbag
