Part 18 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 Message From Dennis
Hello, this is Dennis Goldensohn, and I write articles for “What Does It All Mean?” There are about 20 of them that are currently posted on the Diapoint website.
I was honored and thrilled to be asked by Pamela Durant, the Founder and Managing Director of Diapoint, to join their team to author these articles. I have found this to be exciting and to also get to know all of you as well!
We Are All Different in How We Manage Diabetes
Each day we all deal with diabetes, and for some it is easier than for others. Many do not understand what diabetes is and think that we are all the same, but in reality, we are not.
I will be celebrating my 59th diaversary in January 2027 and will be celebrating my 74th birthday in November of 2026. I feel great and do not have any complications. I even feel like a 16-year-old singing street corner harmony in Brooklyn, New York.
But all kidding aside, we are all different for sure in how we manage our diabetes!
Sharing Information to Better Understand Diabetes
The theme behind the articles that are written is to bring information to you, the reader, so that you can better understand the various issues, technologies, and ways to get help for the management of your diabetes.
This is for informational use, and you should always get medical advice from your doctor and medical specialists!
Learning From Each Other
I have also gotten to know the customs, cultures, and traditions of you folks in the UAE, and that is wonderful, to say the least.
So, we are both learning and have a better understanding of diabetes and you, the people of the UAE! We cannot assume that if you live in one place/country, it will be the same in another country.
Knowledge is power, and we should use it to help and improve our understanding of diabetes!
We Love to Hear From You!
I am looking forward to hearing from all of you! If you have questions, want to make a comment, or suggest a topic for an article, please let me know in the message box below each article.
It is important that I hear from you so we can learn together and have a better understanding of diabetes.
It has been a real pleasure to be part of the Diapoint Team and work with Pamela Durant! It is these organizations that have “Purpose and the Community” in mind that really make a difference, and they really do!!
Stay tuned for more articles to come, and thank you for your trust and interest!!
…………………..and that is What It All Means to Hear From You!!
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.
