Part 3 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
A World Connected by Shared Experiences
We live in a very diversified world, and there is so much to learn. I have had opportunities to collaborate with people from around the world. This includes Australia, England, Canada, the United States, and now the UAE.
In each of these countries, there were always different opinions on many subjects, but when it came to diabetes, all were in high-level agreement that much more needs to be done.
Where It All Began
My interest in this topic was influenced many years ago when I was in junior high school. I had a Social Studies-History teacher who was excellent, and he loved to play handball. I also enjoyed playing handball, and during our lunch breaks, both he and I, along with other students, would be on the court playing competitive games.
It was because of him that I developed an interest in history and world cultures.
Understanding Diabetes on a Global Scale
In 1967, I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. At the time, I did not know how prevalent diabetes was worldwide. Today, with the World Wide Web, I have a much better understanding of how widespread diabetes is and how different parts of the world are working to manage it.
Wherever diabetes exists, there are dedicated organizations and, most importantly, people who are leading the charge to support those living with it.
This is what we call TEAMWORK.
Discovering Diapoint
About five years ago, I had the opportunity to reach out to the Diapoint ME group in the UAE. I was quite surprised by how robust their organization was and what they do for their community.
For various reasons, time passed. Then, about six months ago, I reconnected with them, and the discussions and concerns we shared were aligned and meaningful.
A Shared Mission
After reviewing the Diapoint ME website, I was convinced that they truly understand and support their community in the UAE. My discussions with Pamela Durant were sincere, and I felt completely at home.
Their mission, their inclusivity, and their approach stood out to me. While the organization may be small, its delivery of services is professional, empathetic, and genuinely focused on the people it serves.
No Borders in Diabetes Support
With this in mind, I wanted to be part of an organization that reflects these values. Even though I am based in the United States, distance does not matter.
We are reaching people who live with diabetes and who need support, guidance, and a better understanding of how to manage their condition—regardless of age, gender, or location.
There are no distinctions here because diabetes does not choose who it affects. It is something people are diagnosed with and must manage every single day.
The Power of Collaboration
I am proud to be part of an organization that works as a team to meet the needs of its community. In our world today, distance should not be a barrier.
We should collaborate, listen, and learn from one another to better understand the current reality. By doing so, we can come together to create a plan for better diabetes management—and ultimately work toward a cure.
What This Means for All of Us
This is, in many ways, a lesson in history—to understand where we are, who we are, and what we share.
No matter where we are in the world, we are not different. We face similar challenges, and we all seek the same things: understanding, support, and better outcomes.
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.
