Part 9 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
The Importance of Pride and Accomplishment
In our lifetimes, we experience accomplishments that we take PRIDE in and are PROUD of! All of us, whether you deal with diabetes or not, need to experience some sense of accomplishment. This gives you the drive to look to accomplish more, to have a sense of PRIDE, and most importantly, be PROUD of what you have accomplished.
Some of these accomplishments can be earning a degree, becoming a professional sports figure, baking your first cake, and having a successful career. All of these have a lasting influence on you, and after experiencing them, you want to go further and move to the next level of challenges and success. Having PRIDE and being PROUD of what you have accomplished is a catalyst for bigger and better things to come.
What Does This Have to Do with Diabetes?
So, what does PRIDE and being PROUD have to do with diabetes? We know that diabetes is a 24/7, 365-day responsibility. Each day we deal with many different situations which we must deal with. Each of these challenges can be a learning moment, and as such, we have more tools in our toolbox that we can use to deal with these situations going forward.
Learning Through Every Challenge
Over time, we notice that we can MANAGE our diabetes better, and we then develop a sense of accomplishment. Diabetes can be mentally exhausting, and having successes can lessen the burden and stress that one might experience in the daily MANAGEMENT of their diabetes.
Why Pride Matters
Then what does this all lead to? It then gives us some license to take PRIDE in what we have been able to accomplish, and to be PROUD of what we were able to accomplish. This may sound redundant, but PRIDE and being PROUD go hand in hand! Being able to improve one’s outlook on what is possible can have a huge effect on being more positive, accepting more challenges, and being able to deal with other situations that might arise when dealing with your diabetes.
Celebrate Your Wins
Diabetes does not go away, and we must deal with it every day. There are many challenges, and they are different for each of us. Nevertheless, being able to negotiate these issues is paramount, and if you experience some WINS, you can then build on these and look forward to some more satisfying outcomes. For those of us who have this huge responsibility, we need to take PRIDE and be PROUD in what we have accomplished. You will be surprised how much this means to you personally, and it is a sense of POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. Never say never, look to see what is possible, and take PRIDE in what you have accomplished, and be very PROUD as well! You earned it, and it does not get any better than this!!!!
……………….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.
