Part 6 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
How Am I Doin’?
Back in the 1970s and early 1980s, New York City was facing financial challenges. The mayor at the time, Ed Koch, became well known for asking a simple question during his press conferences: “How am I doin’?”
If you are from New York, you know there is a certain way of saying things, and this question became his signature. Even years after his time in office, it continued to be associated with him.
But beyond the phrase itself, what does asking this question really mean, especially for people living with diabetes?
Why This Question Matters
Those of us living with diabetes need to ask this question regularly.
Why?
Because it allows us to reflect on what has happened, understand what worked, and identify what did not. If you do not ask yourself, then who will?
It is important to take stock of your diabetes health.
So, how do you go about doing this?
That is a great question.
Start with a Simple Checklist
The best place to begin is by creating a checklist of key items that help you understand how well you are managing your diabetes.
Remember: we do not control diabetes, we manage it.
Your checklist should be simple. If it becomes too long or complicated, the important insights can get lost in too much data.
Key Metrics to Track
Here are some important metrics you can include:
- Blood Glucose (BG) levels
- Time in Range (TIR)
- A1C test results
- Weight changes (loss or gain)
You can record these in a notebook, but since most of us use our phones daily, going digital is often easier.
Going Digital: Your Living Document
Instead of paper, you can track your data using tools like:
- Microsoft Word
- Apple Pages
- Google Docs
By setting up a document, you can record your metrics regularly and keep everything in one place.
This becomes what you can call a “Living Document”, something that continues over time and evolves with you.
Creating Your Diabetes Diary
This document essentially becomes your Diabetes Diary.
It provides a running history that allows you to look back and see:
- Where you were
- What worked
- What didn’t
Over time, this becomes a valuable source of insight, right at your fingertips.
Because, as we all know, if you do not write it down, it can easily be lost.
Using Your Data to Move Forward
Having this information is a powerful part of managing your diabetes.
It helps you:
- Understand your progress
- Make more informed decisions
- Plan your next steps toward better health
It also improves communication with your healthcare provider, ensuring that you are both aligned and working toward the same goals.
Knowledge Is Power
In the end, you may be surprised by how far you have come.
All it takes is a little time, consistency, and willingness to understand your own health better.
Because knowledge is power, and you have the ability to take control of your journey.
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.
