Part 2 of the “What Does It All Mean?” series, a real-life reflection on living with Type 1 Diabetes, written by Dennis Goldensohn, who has lived with T1D for nearly 60 years.
By Dennis Goldensohn: T1D for nearly 60 years, advocate, and mentor
Are People Who Live with Diabetes Really “Unique”?
There are approximately 8 billion people living on planet Earth. A sizable number of them have been diagnosed with diabetes. Those who have been diagnosed with diabetes are sometimes called “unique.” So, what does that mean?
What Does “Unique” Really Mean?
The definition of unique is something that is unequaled, distinct, or unusual from all others. But are people who live with diabetes really unique?
Yes, we have a medical condition that requires daily care and monitoring of blood glucose levels. We also need to manage our diets and ensure that we are following best practices to manage our diabetes.
Does Diabetes Define Our Capabilities?
But does that mean we are pigeonholed into a set of uniqueness? I do not think so.
Even though we need to do these tasks that others do not, we can continue our lives just as anyone else can. To think otherwise is a misconception, and that misconception contributes to diabetes stigma.
When people who live with diabetes are characterized as not capable or as having limitations that others do not, it is simply not true.
Challenging the Stigma
Those of us who have been living with diabetes have proven that we can do what anyone else can do. There are well-known individuals and everyday people around the world who are managing their diabetes and excelling in their lives.
In many cases, people who live with diabetes outperform expectations. They are productive, capable, and an essential part of society.
Reframing the Narrative
So, if someone asks whether people diagnosed with diabetes are “unique,” the answer is simple: They can do anything, and they can do it well.
We must remove the misconception that people who manage diabetes every day are not capable, not qualified, or somehow limited because of their condition.
Diabetes is not the end of the line. It is an opportunity to move forward and succeed.
Yes, We Can
With proper diabetes management, encouragement, support, and a desire to succeed, people who live with diabetes can confidently say:
YES, WE CAN!
And That Is What It All Means
What Is This Series?
At Diapoint, we believe that the most powerful education comes from real people and real lives lived with diabetes.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce a new blog series by Dennis Goldensohn.
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.
His series, “What Does It All Mean?”, is exactly what it sounds like: a reflection on life with diabetes, beyond the numbers, beyond the devices, and beyond the daily routines.
Through this series, Dennis explores:
- The realities of living with diabetes every single day,
- The misconceptions and stigma people face,
- The history and progress of diabetes care,
- The power of community, advocacy, and teamwork,
- And ultimately, what it truly means to live a full, successful life with diabetes.
This is not just education. This is perspective and lived experience.
And above all, this is reassurance that yes, you can.
