Back in March, when I was still a medical student, I had the chance to share my journey with the World Health Organization. It’s incredible to see the article released today and reflect on the importance of healthcare teams understanding their patients on a human level.
In the interview, we discussed my diagnosis at 9 years old, a traumatic and life-changing event, but one I navigated thanks to the support of my healthcare team and my family. Their compassion helped me accept diabetes and inspired me to get involved in advocacy. Sadly, not all experiences were positive. My early struggles with an eating disorder were exacerbated by a dietician who didn’t provide the necessary support—instead, her harsh words made a difficult diagnosis even more traumatic. I still remember her telling me that eating chips would lead to amputation. Imagine saying that to a 9-year-old. That moment stayed with me.
There’s a deep connection between diabetes, eating disorders, and mental health. Research has shown how common this is, and I know firsthand how crucial it is to address these issues with care and understanding. New technologies have changed the way we manage diabetes, but without access to it or proper education, they add an unfairness in patients' lives and more difficulty to our lives.
The biggest issue, however, remains the inequity in healthcare access. Whether you live or die because of diabetes shouldn’t depend on where you were born. In 2024, it’s heartbreaking that people are still dying because they lack access to insulin. This is not something we should still be discussing, yet here we are.
I’m grateful to the WHO for shedding light on these critical issues and for the opportunity to share my story. We must continue advocating for person-centered care and equitable healthcare for all.
Background on diabetes: In 2022, WHO Member States committed to global diabetes targets for 2030, including ensuring that 100% of people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin and blood glucose monitoring. WHO Regional Office for Europe and International Diabetes Federation Europe are working together to accelerate progress towards these goals. Thank you to European Patients' Forum and International Diabetes Federation for supporting this important work and giving patients a voice in shaping the future of healthcare.
