Brandy Barnes - A Womans Guide to Diabetes: A Path to Wellness

Director, Book Publishing, Abe Ogden; Managing Editor, Greg Guthrie; Acquisitions Editor, Victor Van Beuren; Project Manager, Wendy Martin-Shuma; Production Manager, Melissa Sprott; Composition, Naylor Design, Inc.; Cover Design, Vis--Vis Creative, Inc.; Cover Photographer, Kelly Campbell; Printer, Versa Press.

2015 by Natalie Strand and Brandy Barnes. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including duplication, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the American Diabetes Association.

Printed in the United States of America
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The suggestions and information contained in this publication are generally consistent with the Clinical Practice Recommendations and other policies of the American Diabetes Association, but they do not represent the policy or position of the Association or any of its boards or committees. Reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the American Diabetes Association cannot ensure the safety or efficacy of any product or service described in this publication. Individuals are advised to consult a physician or other appropriate health care professional before undertaking any diet or exercise program or taking any medication referred to in this publication. Professionals must use and apply their own professional judgment, experience, and training and should not rely solely on the information contained in this publication before prescribing any diet, exercise, or medication. The American Diabetes Associationits officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and membersassumes no responsibility or liability for personal or other injury, loss, or damage that may result from the suggestions or information in this publication.

The paper in this publication meets the requirements of the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1992 (permanence of paper).

ADA titles may be purchased for business or promotional use or for special sales. To purchase more than 50 copies of this book at a discount, or for custom editions of this book with your logo, contact the American Diabetes Association at the address below or at booksales@diabetes.org.

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22311

DOI: 10.2337/9781580405294

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Strand, Natalie.
A womans guide to diabetes : a path to wellness / Natalie Strand and Brandy Barnes.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-58040-529-4 (alk. paper)
1. Diabetes in women. 2. Mind and body. 3. WomenHealth and hygiene. I. Barnes, Brandy. II. Title.
RC660.4.S77 2014
616.4620082--dc23
2014001430

eISBN: 978-1-58040-604-8

Table of Contents

As women with diabetes, we strongly believe that life should be celebrated, not in spite of diabetes, but in light of diabetes. From the days we each were diagnosed, we have made it our missions to not allow diabetes to stop us from doing anything. We hope to help you adopt the same outlook, if you havent already. Consider this: If you are a woman with diabetes, you have already amassed an incredible amount of experience that your peers without diabetes simply do not have. Were not just talking about your diabetes knowledge, but also your multi-tasking, stress-management and endurance-building experience. In a sense, diabetes gives you an advantage in life... if you view it from the right perspective.

When we came together to write this book, we had only known each other a few months, but our diabetes diagnoses bonded us immediately. We talked about a myriad of diabetes-related topics that made us feel heard and understood: We had to be long-lost sisters! Diabetes sisters, that is! We shared a passion for empowering women, a desire to help women better understand how to flourish with diabetes, and a concern for the lack of information (and for the misinformation) that was available to women with diabetes. In addition, both of us were diagnosed with diabetes in our teen years and we now are in our 30s.

We have our share of differences as well. While one of us lives in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, California, practicing medicine, the other lives in a quiet suburb of Durham, North Carolina, running a national nonprofit organization. We have very different personalities: One of us is more free-spirited and the other, more serious. A big part of owning your diabetes is opening up and being willing to share with and learn from others, including those who can provide you with different perspectives, as we have. We encourage you to open your mind to the different experiences and perspectives provided in this book.

To say that we are proud of this book would be an understatement. It was written from a place of passion, determination, understanding, and concern. We intend not only to make you feel good about yourself and learn a lot, but also to broach some difficult or challenging issues that may make you uncomfortable. (Just know that discomfort is a sign of growth!) Youre going to read about topics ranging from diabetes guilt to traveling with diabetes. You may read about some things that sound scary or depressing, but you will also laugh at our diabetes mishaps and uncover some new information to help you better manage your diabetes.

There will be points throughout the book where you will be asked to write down your thoughts: Turning inward may be the hardest part of your transformation, but it is vitally important that you understand yourself as you make this journey. We want you to identify and enhance the strengths you already have as a result of your diabetes. At the conclusion of the book, we hope you are more knowledgeable and informed about female-specific diabetes issues, uplifted through our personal stories, and transformed in the way you view yourself as a woman with diabetes.

Most of all, we hope you learn that you are not alone with this disease. There are millions of other women with diabetes just like you who are going through the same challenges.

If up until this point you have just been surviving with diabetes, its time for a change. Its time to start thriving with diabetes. We want this to be a book that enables you to do whatever it takes to live a happy, healthy, and proud life as a strong woman with diabetes. Lets get started!

Natalie Strand, MDBrandy Barnes, MSW

Guide to the Journaling Sections

Notes on My Journey: Record valuable information that youre learning from the book

Soul-Searching: Answer questions and complete various activities designed to help you reflect more deeply on your feelings and/or struggles

Life Application: Record specific steps you will take to address your personal health

My Diabetes Journal: Use these guided journaling sections to gain valuable insight about your behavior and emotions