Tag Archives: Diabetes UnConference

Diabetes UnConference Las Vegas 2016.

March 16, 2016 – 9:08 am

Sunset
 
Another Diabetes UnConference is in the books. Over one hundred People With Diabetes (PWDs) and People who Love Us (PLUs) gathered over three days at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This year’s UnConference was different for me because as a facilitator, I was not only involved in the conversation, I was tasked with helping to make every attendee’s UnConference experience as good as it could be.

When you think of it only that way, it seems kinda scary. But the truth is, there was over 2,500 years of diabetes experience in the room. These people know what it’s like to live with the ups and downs of a disease they have to manage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So while it could have been scary, in fact it was exciting. And fun. I was overwhelmed by the inspirational, friendly, loving, caring individuals that I shared the weekend with. I learned a lot about compassion, anxiety, and perseverance.

Just like last year, we covered a range of subjects that matter most to people living with and affected by diabetes. Some of those conversations were raw, some elicited laughter, some included tips and tricks for navigating high blood sugar numbers or insurance snafus.

To provide a safe, supportive environment for all in attendance, we adhered to the no social media policy instituted during the UnConference. So while I can’t talk specifics, I can reveal that together, we created a space for anyone to say anything, share anything, and help with anything. This is the hardest thing to explain to people who weren’t there, but it was absolutely the most critical part of the weekend.

While it might seem scary to help facilitate at a unique group gathering like this, the truth is that it was an incredible honor to share that role with my fellow facilitators. Special thanks don’t even begin to cover the admiration I have for Christel Marchand Aprigliano and what she has created.

As I watched the sun set over the Great Plains on my flight home, I realized that its magnificence paled in comparison to the many bright lights that shone from the Diabetes UnConference Las Vegas 2016. I am grateful you are part of my tribe. I can’t wait to see you again.

The Diabetes UnConference Las Vegas 2016 Alumni.

The Diabetes UnConference Las Vegas 2016 Alumni.


The Diabetes UnConference Atlantic City 2016 will happen September 9, 10, and 11 along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Come be part of the tribe. To find out more, CLICK HERE.
 

By StephenS | Posted in Events | Also tagged , | Comments (10)

The Diabetes UnConference Scholarship Window Is Closing!

September 28, 2015 – 9:16 am

Here’s your friendly neighborhood reminder guy with a friendly diabetes neighborhood… reminder:

Time is running out for you to apply for a scholarship to the Diabetes Unconference in Las Vegas next March.

You must have your scholarship application in by September 30! That’s Wednesday, folks.
Un
If you’re reading this, you’re probably living with diabetes, or you have someone very close to you who is living with diabetes. That means you never, ever get a break from the physical, and yes, mental aspects of having to survive the highs and lows, the stigma, the relationship issues, and everything else that diabetes lays at your feet.

The Diabetes Unconference is the only gathering that brings diabetes experts together (that’s you) in a safe, supportive environment to talk through all of the psychosocial issues we deal with in our walk with this disease.

You will find people who understand, people who will help, people who will let you know you are not alone. Take it from me: That is worth its weight in gold.

To make it easier for some to attend this important meetup, there are a number of scholarships available. Let me take a moment and let you know about them (from the Diabetes Unconference website):

Those Who Love Us Scholarship (1 available)
Available for a caregiver – significant other, spouse, family member, it includes air travel to and from Las Vegas, Nevada from the recipient’s area, The Diabetes UnConference registration for recipient, and two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas, including taxes and resort fee. Recipient will attend the sessions for caregivers. The recipient cannot have diabetes.

Type 1 Scholarship (1 available)
Available for individuals who have Type 1 diabetes/MODY/other, it includes air travel to and from Las Vegas, Nevada from the recipient’s area, The Diabetes UnConference registration for recipient, and two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas, including taxes and resort fee.

Type 2 Scholarship (1 available)
Available for individuals who have Type 2 diabetes, it includes air travel to and from Las Vegas, Nevada from the recipient’s area, The Diabetes UnConference registration for recipient, and two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas, including taxes and resort fee.

Room Scholarships (2 available)
You must already be registered to attend The Diabetes UnConference to receive this scholarship and must attend the entire conference to receive two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas.
It includes two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas, including taxes and resort fee.

Even better news: There will be an Alumni Scholarship awarded to a first-time attendee to the Diabetes UnConference. Those of us who attended the initial UnConference this past March have pooled our money to offer another person the opportunity to become part of the alumni for the first time. If that makes any sense at all. Anyway, this will include air travel to and from Las Vegas (unless the recipient is close enough to drive), conference registration, and two (2) nights stay at The Flamingo Las Vegas. More on this scholarship at a later date.
 
 
Now… what do you have to do?

CLICK HERE and complete the short scholarship application. Do it right now, because the application window closes at the end of the day on September 30.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the Diabetes UnConference helped change a number of lives last year. It also helped create and sustain new and existing friendships. It was special in ways I still have trouble describing. But I feel it in my heart, so I know it’s true.

I would like it if you could be there too. If you think you’d like to go, and you want to apply for a scholarship… Act now. I hope to see you at The Flamingo Las Vegas in just a little over five(!) months.
 

By StephenS | Posted in Events, Uncategorized | Also tagged , | Comments (0)

Brain Dumps.

July 27, 2015 – 2:24 pm

I’m back after spending a few days in Charlottesville, Virginia with The Great Spousal Unit. It was a nice trip with great weather, and other than my surgery, it was the first extra time off I’ve had since March. Ahhhh… I feel rested. Here are a few random brain dumps to begin the week:
 
 
– Looking for more artificial pancreas news? TuDiabetes will be hosting a discussion with three members of the new Type Zero Techologies team on Thursday, July 30th at 1:00 pacific time (US). That’s 4:00 in the afternoon on the east coast, and 9:00 p.m. in London. Learn about the InControl, InControl Advice, and InControl Cloud solutions that the folks in Virginia have been working on. #WeAreNotWaiting, and #TheyHaveBeenWorking. Find out more about what they’ve been working on, Thursday afternoon. CLICK HERE for more information.

– Registration for the Diabetes UnConference is happening right now! 2016 will include two new and important things: 1) There will be a western UnConference (again in Las Vegas), and an east coast UnConference in Atlantic City; and 2) Each UnConference will include sessions specifically for the spouses, significant others, etc. who live with us as we live our lives with diabetes. So, you have date and location options, and you can bring your Type Awesome too. This is a big deal, and I really hope you can be there either in Las Vegas next March, or Atlantic City next September. Make your plans now. And CLICK HERE to register. What are you waiting for?

– It’s amazing how your BGs go crazy when you travel. That’s because nearly everything you’re eating is some measure between general processed food and high carb crap, or both. I felt like I was throwing insulin at my numbers all day Saturday, even though one of my meals was no carb, and an evening snack was no carb too. I still woke up on Sunday morning at 149 mg/dL. Love the travel, hate the BG effect.

– On the other hand: Would anyone like a squash from my garden? Or maybe two? Or three? I am currently overwhelmed with squash. This situation caused Maureen to make the dreaded “squash casserole” when we returned from Charlottesville. I’m not a fan, though I love to grill it along with other summer vegetables. But right now, I’m feeling like I’d like to go a few weeks without even seeing another squash. A good problem to have, I guess.

– Finally, for those who might be wondering: I’m now about a month and a half beyond knee surgery, and I can tell you that my progress has been slow. I feel like it’s improving every day, but in teeny, tiny increments each day. So while I’m seeing noticeable improvement week to week, I’m not really able to tell the differences on a day to day basis. Still, progress is progress, and I did well walking around the University of Virginia campus last weekend. Can’t wait until I can get back on my bike.
 
 
Have a great Monday. Heard anything new recently? Let me know!
 
 
 

By StephenS | Posted in Like these links | Also tagged , , | Comments (1)

Like these links: Diabetes UnConference, Diabetes Blog Week, and DSMA!

May 6, 2015 – 9:13 am

I have a few important things to let you know about today… especially if you haven’t seen anything about them yet. If you have, think of this as a list of friendly reminders.
 
 
First… Early Bird registration is now open for the next Diabetes UnConference in Las Vegas, March 10-13, 2016. The Diabetes UnConference brings together adults living with diabetes, who discuss the various psychosocial issues that PWDs deal with on a regular basis. My experience at this year’s UnConference was, in a word, special. I’d love it if it could be the same for you.

Also, as I mentioned here earlier, next year’s UnConference schedule will include sessions for T3s… Type Awesomes… those who love and support us and deal with a lot of issues too. There will be opportunities for both People With Diabetes and People Without Diabetes to interact, but there will also be a separate space and special sessions so People Without Diabetes can experience the UnConference too, sharing among their tribe, peer-to-peer (still adults only).

And, in case you haven’t heard yet, there will be an East Coast version of the Diabetes UnConference next year too! It will happen sometime in the fall, but I’m not sure I can give you any specifics yet (mostly, because I don’t know them). But if Las Vegas isn’t your thing, or it’s just too expensive to get there, look out for news on this second Diabetes UnConference soon.

To register for Vegas, or to keep up on the latest on everything UnConference, CLICK HERE.
 
 
Second… We are on the cusp of another exciting Diabetes Blog Week! #DBlogWeek is teed up and ready to go, beginning next Monday, May 11 and continuing through Sunday, May 17.

Karen Graffeo of Bittersweet Diabetes fame started Diabetes Blog Week five years ago (five!) as a way to get diabetes bloggers to participate in something that would bring them together, by sharing blog posts on a different subject for seven straight days. It’s a great way to find new blogs, and if you’re thinking of starting one yourself, it’s an awesome way to start. The more the merrier.

Seven days, seven posts (don’t worry—no one is going to hunt you down if you miss one). To get all of the information on Diabetes Blog Week, CLICK HERE.

Karen… why does this week always come up just when I’m experiencing a bit of writer’s block? Coincidence? Hmmm……
 
 
Third: I will be moderating the often imitated, never duplicated DSMA Twitter Chat beginning tonight at 9:00 EDT(US). You are welcome to join the talk, encouragement, support, and laughter that the fastest hour of the week is known for. Our topic this week:

Diabetes is NOT for the weak.

To join the conversation (or just lurk), follow the @DiabetesSocMed Twitter handle or the #DSMA hashtag. Join us!
 
 
Finally… I saw this on the train on my way into work this morning:
PowerToPreventDiabetes
Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has done an awful lot in my state to bring diabetes (and pre-diabetes) awareness to the masses. They have a pretty extensive website that has a “Take the Quiz” feature, and helps residents find resources to help them if they need it.
 
 
There you have it. Some important, engaging, and fun happenings in the diabetes world. Enjoy your Wednesday!
 
 
 

By StephenS | Posted in Like these links | Also tagged , , , | Comments (1)

More Diabetes UnConference News, and FDA doings too.

March 27, 2015 – 9:38 am

I know I’ve written a lot about The Diabetes UnConference, but I need to share this bit of exciting news:

First: There will be another Diabetes UnConference in Las Vegas next year!
Details are still being worked out, but it will be in Las Vegas, and it will be in March 2016. For me, this is very encouraging. There were many people from the western part of the USA who attended this year, and I know at least a couple would not have made the trip had it not been so close. So I’m glad that adults living with diabetes in Nevada, Arizona, California, Utah, and other western states will have something relatively close to go to. But that’s not all….

Second: There will be an East Coast version of the Diabetes UnConference in the Fall of 2016!
Again, it’s still in the planning stages, and there isn’t much to tell yet, but for all of you who can’t quite make the trip to Vegas next year, know that there will be an East Coast UnConference in the fall. More to come on that development. But wait… that’s not all…

Third: Both editions of the 2016 Diabetes UnConference will include separate “Adult T3/People without Diabetes” sessions! Some parts of the UnConference will offer opportunities for both People With Diabetes and People Without Diabetes to interact, but there will also be a separate space and special sessions so People Without Diabetes can experience the UnConference too, sharing among their tribe, peer-to-peer (still adults only).

Hard to imagine next year already, but it already looks like it will be great.

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Advocacy Opportunities:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding a couple of public meetings in April.

The first, on April 14, is a meeting of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Advisory Committee, which will go over outcomes of research on patients using the Type 2 medications Saxagliptin and Alogliptin. The public is welcome to attend, but you must register. To do that, and to get all of the information on this Advisory Committee meeting, CLICK HERE.

Also, one week later on April 21, there will be a public workshop titled “An Interactive Discussion on the Clinical Considerations of Risk in the Postmarket Environment”. This workshop is really a forum to discuss possible risks (or not risks) of devices after they’ve been approved by the FDA. This is not specifically diabetes related, but hey, we wear devices, right? There is also an opportunity for patients (that’s me) to submit comments, and even speak at this public workshop. Looks very interesting to me. Want to attend? CLICK HERE.
 
 
There you have it. Exciting doings in the diabetes world, both in the near future, and next year. Enjoy your weekend!
 
 
 

By StephenS | Posted in Advocacy, Events | Also tagged , , , | Comments (0)