Dr. Paidamoyo Katsande joins us from the UK by way of Zimbabwe. Since Paida was a small girl she had dreams of helping Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is her heart. Dr. Paidamoyo is a research scientist and dedicated a great part of her career in T1D research for a cure to help those impacted at home.

Growing up in Zimbabwe, she moved to the UK at eight years old, carrying with her a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She wanted to contribute to improving people’s quality of life.

Coming from a community with limited healthcare resources, Paidamoyo saw how reduced access to diagnostics and education could leave people undiagnosed or struggling to manage their conditions. Those observations sparked a lifelong desire to raise awareness and pursue science that makes a tangible difference.

Paida has PhD in molecular biology and Immunology. While I’m not a medical doctor, her work focuses on the science that can lead to groundbreaking treatments for type 1 diabetes and prostate cancer.

Beyond the lab: A researcher’s journey to tackling type 1 diabetes | Breakthrough T1D UK

Follow Dr. Katsande on instagram @dr.paidayourfavscientist

On this episode, we hear from Ricky. He hails from Brooklyn, New York, and was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 1992 at the age of 3 and spent the next year in a coma while hospitalized. Ricky spent his 4th birthday in the hospital.

Early on, he would hear medical professionals say things, such as that he wouldn't make it. Ricky struggled a lot as a kid with mean adults

Ricky has become a prominent figure in the diabetic

community. He is not only a survivor but also an advocate, martial artist, and father, using his experiences to inspire others.

Ricky has endured many complications with diabetes, including losing full vision at one point, but even that couldn't stop him!

Get to know Ricky t1dknight

In this episode we get to meet Cam @cam_simply and engage in a heartfelt conversation, where we discuss the importance of community and representation within the diabetes online community (DOC), particularly for people of color. Cam shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he has faced since his diagnosis at age nine. The conversation touches on themes of advocacy, the evolution of diabetes management, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Cam and Will reflect on their shared experiences and the impact of their work in fostering a more inclusive and informed space for those living with diabetes.

In this episode, we hear from Elijah (@elyja_), who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 21 years since being diagnosed at age 11. We explore his T1D journey, reflecting on the challenges and growth that have come with managing the condition over the years. The discussion touches on the emotional and psychological impacts of diabetes, the value of community support, and the advancements in diabetes management technology. Elijah shares personal stories about his experiences, the support he’s received from his family, and his hopes for a future cure. This episode highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of sharing one’s story to inspire and educate others. Elijah is truly someone worth knowing in the Diabetic Online Community and beyond. Follow him on Instagram @elyja_

CWP host Willie Streets shares his life with T1D plus everything else.

Deanelle was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at the age of 6, 23 years ago. His diagnosis was caught by his parent's keen eye on his growth at such a young age.

Today, he is a Certified Health Coach to help others like him get a better understanding of their own bodies and the data behind it to help them achieve their health goals.

His family is of Caribbean background, from St Kitts and Nevis. After his diagnosis, his mom had to get serious with their family's health. His parents were the original champions for his diagnosis and for how he would be moving forward.

While in college, he studied abroad in Spain and didn't tell his mom until right before! One thing that opened his eyes while studying abroad was that he didn't have to pay for his insulin.

Deanelle has no recollection of life without diabetes, but wants to continue doing everything that he can to make sure that others too can live a full life while managing it.

Quinton, diagnosed with T1D at 10 in 1998. From day 1, he has been in full control of his diabetes. But to know that his daughter's too have this diagnosis literally changed the ball game! His youngest daughter was diagnosed at 20 months, and then 3 years later, his oldest daughter was diagnosed at 5.

Through these diagnoses, Quinton questioned, "Did I give this to my girls?"

Although his daughters know that he's had T1D for nearly 3 decades, they do not see his diabetes as their diabetes.

Today, they are 15 and 16, with the world beyond diabetes at their feet that most of us do not have. "DadCom" has all of the tricks and tips to guide them along the next chapter in their lives.

About 6 years ago, he lost complete vision in his left eye (complete detachment of the retina). 2 years ago, he lost

vision in his right eye, and for 5 months, he was without complete vision as a sole provider, single father.

Thankfully, surgery was an option, and he regained vision in his right eye. With his mom by his side, he was

able to get back to the old Q!

Before gaining the control, he has today, he used to plan his entire day around naps, not correlating it with diabetes.

Follow this amazing single dad and his story of hope, love, and perseverance.

Follow on instagram @ayquincy

On this episode, we get to sit down with Angel @angelverses. Angel is a hip hop artist from Ohio who expresses and voices his emotions about living with diabetes through his music and skits. People may not relate to what he goes through with diabetes, but they will relate to the music and the messages.

Angel was diagnosed with T1D almost 18 years ago at 14 years young. He is the youngest of 3. Angel was diagnosed while on vacation with his aunt. His Auntie noticed his changes.

In this episode, we recognize and give flowers to Angel's family of love and support.