In Episode 53 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians Kristi Paguio and Dr. Paula Diab discuss the invisible burden of living with diabetes and the vital role of self-advocacy.

Kristi shares her experiences as both a patient and a clinician, while Paula provides insights as a doctor.  Their conversation highlights the need for better education, preparation, and understanding when working with people with diabetes, as well as tips for both medical staff and patients.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. She earned her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2000 and then returned to her home province of KwaZulu-Natal to establish her career and continue her post-graduate studies. She is certified as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in the US.

Despite carrying the burden of being the only member of the IDS clinical team without type 1 Diabetes, her skills and passion for diabetes care & education are exemplary (she did successfully manage her own gestational diabetes during her pregnancies).

 

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes.  She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management.

Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

✔️How much diabetes training many medical professionals receive.

✔️Tips to make the most out of your next diabetes appointment.

✔️ How to shift your mindset when managing your diabetes.

✔️The importance of context over data for physicians.  

CHAPTERS

00:12   Welcome and Introductions

01:49  The highlighting the invisible burdens of diabetes

02:31  The barriers a person with diabetes faces to manage their care

05:28  The reality of diabetes education for general physicians

06:31  Navigating a perceived lack of empathy in diabetes care

08:30  The role of self-advocacy in diabetes management

10:12  Clinician anxiety

10:31  Words matter when talking to patients

13:05  The healthcare system is not set up for chronic illness management

15:38  How to get the most out of a visit with your clinician

19:44  Creating an advocacy team to help when you can’t

23:42  How to improve conversations with healthcare providers

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Diabetes is the ULTIMATE Ultramarathon

CONNECT WITH US

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.