Well, we’re (somehow) officially one week into National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) 2022 and I’ve got to say…I’m feeling particularly aware this year.

Aware of the sheer scope of people affected by diabetes.

Aware about the amount of work that still needs to be done to defeat diabetes stigma.

Acutely aware that insulin and other necessary diabetes medications and supplies are too expensive and need to be more affordable/accessible to all.

Aware of how all the work (including but not limited to advocacy, peer support, and individual management of the condition itself) is done 24/7, 365 – not just during the span of one month.

You could say this makes me overly aware of the weight and significance of NDAM; and while this is certainly true, it’s also totally accurate that NDAM – and life with diabetes itself – is a marathon, not a sprint.

Thank you to a tweet by Mike Durbin that I saw on the first of the month for reminding me of this.

I agree with Mike’s advice to pace myself throughout NDAM, to get involved as I see fit, and to take a break if and when I need it. To an outsider, these words of wisdom may seem obvious, but to someone like me who lives with diabetes, works in diabetes, and immerses herself in the diabetes community, they ring particularly loudly and clearly during this chaotic period that has no shortage of spirit, heart, and good intentions.

So for the next 21 days, I’m excited about plugging away on my marathon’s path, and happy to take breaks here and there for myself so I can cheer on and support everyone else who’s on this journey with me.