Julieta

I’m Julieta Giambuzzi; I’ve had Type 1 diabetes since I was two and a half. I’m 29 now, and my diabetes journey began back in July 2000! Luckily, not only did I fully accept having diabetes from day one, but I’ve also worked hard to bust myths about it—speaking on the radio, in schools, at clubs, and at events—before eventually moving onto social media five years ago. That’s where we built a beautiful community and launched many new digital projects. It’s what defines me most; I choose to let diabetes define me because, basically, I have no memories of life without it, and I wouldn’t be the Julieta I am today without it. I wouldn’t do what I do, know what I know, or share and educate the way I do. Someone had to do it, and given my condition, I chose to be part of that effort.

I’ve used everything from syringes and insulin ampoules paired with giant glucometers and urine ketone strips to strict dietary restrictions—I didn’t eat *anything* “off-limits” until I tried my first Oreo at age 11, right when carb counting came along. That definitely made life easier. That’s when I switched to insulin pens; at 22, I started using a sensor; and about eight months ago, I got my first pump—the Medtrum TouchCare Nano system . And here I am today! I always said my first pump would be a patch pump—small, closed-loop, and capable of carb counting. I had faith it would exist, and here we are! Welcome to my story!

Diabetes is a part of you, and choosing to embrace that means it can become your lifelong best friend. We fight with friends sometimes, sure, but every day is unique, and we always make up the next day. Taking care of my diabetes is the best way to show myself self-love; I do it every single day, and I hope everyone else does too!