Episode 18: Re-branding Diabetes

In this episode Corinna Cornejo and guest co-host Heather Gabel discuss the second in a series of LIVE Interviews with Dr. Susan Guzman, PhD.

In her last interview on TuDiabetes Susan discussed the shame and blame that people with type 2 diabetes often face, as a result of widespread misunderstanding about what causes this condition, and what it really is.  This week’s discussion will continue that conversation, but move into ideas about how to change the general public concept of type 2 diabetes from one molded by misunderstanding, misinformation and stereotyping into one of compassion, understanding and admiration for the millions of people working hard to thrive with type 2 diabetes.

Susan Guzman, PhD is a clinical psychologist specializing in diabetes. Her clinical and research focus areas include overcoming emotional challenges that interfere with management, family issues, and promoting attitudes that support living well with diabetes, from diagnosis throughout life. Dr. Guzman integrates empathy, acceptance and practical guidance to help people better utilize their strengths in living life with diabetes.

In 2003, Dr. Guzman co-founded the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI), the first non-profit organization devoted to the emotional and behavioral aspects of living with diabetes. At BDI, she has served as the Director of Clinical/Educational Services developing and leading programs for people with diabetes and their families. She developed and led many of BDI’s clinical programs, including “Defeating the Depression/Diabetes Connection” (an intensive, multi-week series), the “Just for Parent’s Program” and “Living Well with Complications” workshop. She also held programs for women with type 1 diabetes, spouses/partners, men with diabetes, and other specialized psycho-educational programs for those with diabetes.

Dr. Guzman received her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in health psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego in 1998. She specialized in diabetes following the completion of her post-doctoral fellowship at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego where she served as the psychological liaison to Scripps Health’s Diabetes Advisory Committee.

Everybody Talks Diabetes Podcast Corinna Cornejo

Live interview with David Edelman, Founder of Diabetes Daily and co-author of Thriving with Diabetes

David Edelman is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and advocate with a passion for helping people live healthier, happier and more hope-filled lives. He created Diabetes Daily, another leading diabetes online community, and serves as Director of Product Strategy at LabStyle Innovations, creators of Dario, a smartphone-powered blood glucose meter and diabetes management platform. He is also a past Board Member of the Diabetes Hands Foundation and member of the Board of Advisors.

Thriving with Diabetes, co-authored by David Edelman and Paul Rosman, is an easy-to-follow guide that empowers you to live better – and enjoy life on your terms. It all begins with a powerful 4-step process that helps simplify diabetes, balance your blood sugars, and put you on the path to lifelong success. You’ll learn how to intuitively understand your blood sugars and what causes both good and not-so-good numbers. This proactive approach results in the ability to take charge of diabetes personally, not just by a set of notes from the doctor.

Step 1: Lower the Highs

Step 2: Limit the Lows

Step 3: Use Your Best to Fix the Rest

Step 4: Play with Your Diabetes

Thriving with Diabetes walks through the daily challenges of physical activity, stress, pain, sleep patterns, and other life events that have a major, but under-appreciated, impact on blood sugar trends. You’ll also pinpoint your favorite meals and activities and use them as multipliers of success–focusing on the positive rather than the negative. The result is immediate and satisfying improvements to total health, both physically and mentally!