In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Goldensohn, who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 58 years. From the era of boiling glass syringes and urine tests to today’s connected insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, Dennis shares how diabetes management evolved from guesswork into a science. We also discuss the importance of mindset, surviving the day-to-day, and how to build habits that became second nature. We talk about the discipline it took to keep showing up, and the advice he’d give anyone newly diagnosed today. Along the way, he reflects on refusing to let the diagnosis define his identity, choosing instead to see it as a circumstance he manages rather than a label he wears. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on longevity, mindset, and what it really means to thrive — not just survive — with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly six decades.
Dennis has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly six decades, diagnosed at just 16 years old, and now approaching 59 years of life with T1D, without complications. His journey is not only a testament to resilience but also to what is possible with the right mindset and support.
Beyond his personal experience, Dennis brings a lifetime of dedication to service and advocacy. He spent 45 years working in aerospace manufacturing, while also volunteering with organizations such as JDF, JDRF, Breakthrough T1D, DPAC, and the Diabetes Research Institute. Today, he continues to mentor young people navigating their futures, while sharing his lived experience with diabetes to support others.
Disclaimer: It should go without saying that the Diapoint podcast is not intended as or should not be used as personal medical advice. You will hear us interview medical experts and others, but please always always ask your qualified doctor, diabetes team or other expert about your health. What works for one person does not always work for another person. What you should always do when you discover any new health information is ask YOUR doctor about it. This information should empower you to have a discussion with your healthcare providers about it. Diapoint, our guests, sponsors and business partners are not here to replace that advice. Living a full, healthy life means taking the proper medical advice from your qualified physicians, diabetes team or other healthcare providers.
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Diapoint is the place for people touched by diabetes. We support people through education, events, services and advocacy and with beautiful diabetes accessories sold in the D-Shop. Check out all the useful products we have to support you in your health, wellness and diabetes! We offer the highest quality possible, and have tried, or regularly use most of the items in the shop ourselves. Visit www.diapointshop.com now to get the latest in health, wellness and accessories!
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About Dia-Logue: The Diapoint Podcast and Pamela Durant
Pam Durant is a diabetes thought leader, entrepreneur, healthcare expert and wellness coach. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Diapoint – The Place for People Touched By Diabetes.
Her successful healthcare management career was turned upside down when her 20-month-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes over a decade ago. Not only did this challenge Pam as a parent, it also challenged everything that she believed and understood about healthcare and the provider-patient relationship. As she went on to tackle the steep learning curve of diabetes to support her son to grow and thrive with this condition, she soon realized the great need for change in healthcare and in diabetes management.
She was inspired to create Diapoint, a company that focuses on people with diabetes through events, education, advocacy and products to support them.
She also supports clients with her Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine Coaching at pameladurant.com.
If you are interested in appearing as a guest, please email us at info@diapointme.com. We would love to hear your story and your connection to diabetes.
For more information about our work visit us at diapointme.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @DiapointME.
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Are you a business or brand looking to expand your reach and connect with potential customers? Do you want to showcase the unique value and products that your business offers? If so, we’d like to invite you to become a sponsor of our podcast.
By sponsoring our show, you will have the chance to target important individuals who are interested in improving their health and wellness, and are in search of valuable advice on how to achieve success.
We offer competitive rates and packages to suit every budget.
If you would like further information or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Reach out to Pam Durant at info@diapointme.com.
