Do you lean into Myers Briggs, Enneagram or another leadership/personality test? If so, what has it helped you learn about yourself?
I am an enneagram 6. It has taught me that, above all else, I have a deep craving for security. If I feel secure, physically, mentally, relationally, etc., I feel able to move forward with my talents and passions.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how I have taken my type 1 diabetes diagnosis and used it as a catalyst for my career. I now work at Parkview Health where I coach patients who have diabetes and other medical conditions.

What used to be your biggest fear & how did you overcome it?
I really struggle with being fearful when it comes to my health. I have had quite the health journey—being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, POTS, hyperthyroidism, and celiac disease—all during my freshman year of college. Now I tend to worry that there are other things going on that I am not aware of. But that is why I continue to seek counsel from encouraging people as well as mental health professionals.

What’s one way you’ve been able to give back to your community?
I think my job is the primary way I give back to the community. I want other people with diabetes to know that they can live a vibrant, fulfilling life with their diagnosis, not despite it.

What motivated you to become a diabetes coach and advocate?
My diagnosis with type 1 diabetes occurred in 2016 during my freshman year of college. I knew I wanted to use my diagnosis to help others. Since then, I have received my professional coaching certification as well as my health and well-being certification. I continually share my journey through my Instagram account, @carly.with.diabetes. I have connected with so many incredible people through these experiences.

Could you please share an experience where you’ve supported an individual in effectively managing their diabetes? 
My favorite “sect” of the diabetes community are individuals or parents of children with diabetes who recently received a diagnosis. Their overwhelm is evident, and I remember it so clearly from my own diagnosis. I love being able to be the person that holds space for them during that time, reassuring them that things will be okay.

What strategies do you typically use to empower individuals in managing their diabetes effectively?
I think the best strategy in helping anyone manage their medical diagnosis is helping them connect to their “why.” You have to have a strong sense of purpose in order to accomplish long-lasting, sustainable change. Perhaps a person’s initial goal is to lose weight. After digging deeper, we learn that what they really want is the energy and physical ability to pick up their grandkids. Losing weight or playing with your grandchildren–what sounds more motivating to you?

What role do you believe advocacy plays in diabetes care, and how do you contribute to raising awareness about diabetes?
I think the term “advocacy” can be overused. It is incredibly important to inform people about diabetes, the outrageous costs of medication, the lack of medical care for certain people groups, etc. But it can’t stop with simply talking about something. You have to DO. My way of “doing” is by helping each individual who walks in my office experience positive change when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

First posted 4/1/2024