Episode 271 - Santiago Paulos, T1D, Visual Designer, Creator of The Diabetic Survivor Diabetics Doing Things Podcast

This episode is supported by Thrivable. Thrivable’s mission is to create a
better future together. They achieve this by making it easy for healthcare
companies to include the patient's voice in their decisions so they can
create transformative treatments and products for you. 

And for listeners of Diabetics Doing Things, Thrivable has multiple
opportunities for you to earn money for sharing your story, your insights
and your lived experience for companies who produce and design products for
people with diabetes. You can participate in online surveys and earn up to
$75 per hour and join in-person studies to earn up to $800 per study.

To sign up, just go to thrivable.app/rob and create a profile. It only
takes a few minutes. Then, just wait for study invitations, participate in
a paid diabetes research study and get compensated for your time.

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In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob, Eritrea, and guest Santiago
Paulos share their experiences and stories about living with diabetes from
different perspectives. Santiago talks about his journey of being diagnosed
with diabetes, his work in the diabetes community, and his recent
experience of becoming a new dad. Their conversation delves into topics
like encountering the diabetes stigma, using humor to navigate diabetes
challenges, and balancing life as a new parent with diabetes. This episode
also includes the opening of the Mailbag! If you want to submit your
question, email mailbag@diabeticsdoingthings.com.

Topics discussed:

1. Meeting Santiago and their initial interaction at a diabetes
conference in Abu Dhabi.

2. Santiago's diabetes diagnosis story and how he was diagnosed during a
road trip to Argentina.

3. Santiago's journey in creating the persona of The Diabetic Survivor
and his background in art and design.

4. Collaborations with organizations like T1International and creating
designs for diabetes awareness campaigns.

5. Exploring the intersection of art, design, and diabetes advocacy.

6. Addressing the diabetes stigma, challenges faced in public settings,
and the importance of communication in relationships.

7. Santiago's experience as a new dad with type 1 diabetes, the impact
of diabetes management on parenting, and finding a balance in
routine.

8. Using humor and the "diabetes card" to navigate diabetes-related
situations and advocating for self-care in relationships.

Key takeaways:

* Navigating the diabetes stigma: Santiago shared experiences of
encountering the diabetes stigma, particularly through jokes and
comments made in social settings, highlighting the importance of
addressing and standing up against such behavior.

* Balancing diabetes management with parenting: Santiago's journey as a
new dad with diabetes showcases the challenges and adjustments
required to manage diabetes effectively while caring for a newborn,
emphasizing the need for open communication and support.

* Using humor and communication: Humor can be a coping mechanism in
dealing with diabetes challenges, and effective communication, both
in personal relationships and professional settings, plays a
significant role in raising awareness and advocating for diabetes
rights.

* Awareness and cultural considerations: Being mindful of cultural
differences and digital literacy challenges can help in creating
inclusive content and messaging that resonates with diverse
audiences, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment
for people with diabetes.

00:00  Exciting Opportunities for People with Diabetes to Earn Money and
Inspiring Stories from International Guests on Diabetics Doing Things
Podcast
03:31  Unveiling a Multicultural Friendship and a Diabetic Survivor's
Journey
06:34  From Scooter Crash to Diabetic Survivor: A Unique Diagnosis Story
and Art