Part 14 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
58 Years of Living With Type 1 Diabetes
In my 58-plus years of living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), I have had many pleasurable experiences collaborating with many, many people and organizations that deal with diabetes.
Although dealing with diabetes every day is a challenge, there are some comforting experiences. One of them is speaking with others and knowing you are not alone in the diabetes community.
Many consider me to be a rock, since when I was diagnosed back in 1968, I stated that diabetes would not get in my way and that I would pursue my dreams and aspirations. And here I am, 58-plus years later, living with T1D and doing exactly what I stated way back then!
It’s Not About How Far Away They Are
Many have asked me how or why I would become involved with an organization that deals with diabetes in a foreign country, as I don’t live in the UAE myself.
The simple answer is: it is not how far away they are, but what they represent!
My involvement with Diapoint is a very unique one. When I spoke with the founder of the organization, Pamela Durant, it was quite a discussion and impressive at that.
They at Diapoint are committed to their PURPOSE and the COMMUNITY that they serve. If you go to their website, www.diapointme.com, and read their home page, it is quite clear how committed they are to their purpose: serving those living with diabetes and the community.
It cannot get any simpler than that.
Finding a Place to “Pay It Forward”
After many discussions, I was invited to contribute articles like this one and to “Pay It Forward” by sharing my experiences of living with diabetes.
I am retired and enjoying a comfortable life with my family, but there are those outside of the family nucleus who also bring joy and strength to one’s life and purpose.
In my global travels, either being in a place or via the World Wide Web, I have really found a home where I can spend my time helping others who are dealing with diabetes, and that place is Diapoint.
Finding Purpose Through Diapoint
As I continue this journey, working closely with Pamela Durant has been inspiring, and it has given me even more purpose to help those who deal with diabetes every day.
Pamela’s and her staff’s dedication to the mission at Diapoint is spot on, and I feel small enterprises can be the ones that others can emulate.
Size does not exemplify the success of an organization. It is the mission and the dedication to that mission that count.
That is why I find this small but dedicated organization, Diapoint, my home to support and collaborate with.
Supporting Organizations That Live Their Mission
My advice to those reading this article is to support and get involved with organizations that do what they say and say what they do!
It is something I have lived with throughout my professional career, and it remains true even now that I am retired.
I want to thank Pamela Durant for what she has created, and I intend to support Diapoint for many, many years to come.
And yes, they are in a far-off land, Dubai, UAE!
…………………and that is what it is all about!
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.
