Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES, FADCES, is a longtime diabetes advocate, registered dietitian nutritionist, and diabetes care and education specialist who has spent her career translating complex health information into practical support. In this episode, Susan joins Scott to talk about her experience attending the 2026 DPAC Community Hill Day and how personal experience can help shape decisions affecting insulin, technology, education, insurance, and care. Susan takes us behind the scenes of advocacy on Capitol Hill, from training and team preparation to full office meetings and five-minute hallway conversations. She explains why lawmakers and their staff remember authentic stories, how advocates can stand alongside people living with diabetes without speaking over them, and why the work continues long after Hill Day ends. Most importantly, this conversation brings advocacy back to everyday life. Susan and Scott discuss practical ways to begin which might include following an action alert, sharing a post, sending an email, attending a town hall, or contributing behind the scenes. They also explore how to choose an issue that matters to you and stay involved without turning advocacy into another overwhelming responsibility. You don’t need to be a policy expert or travel to Washington. Your story matters, and one manageable action can be a meaningful place to start. IMPACT Awards: Blue Circle Health has been selected as a finalist for the Red Sox Foundation’s 12th Annual IMPACT Awards, presented by the Manning Family Foundation! This year, the awards are focused on supporting organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes — and we’re incredibly honored to be recognized. Help us hit a home run and win a grant from the Red Sox Foundation! Vote now through August 14th at RedSox.com/IMPACT What You'll Learn Why personal stories can influence decisions about diabetes care, access, and affordabilityWhat diabetes advocacy can look like beyond politics or a trip to WashingtonHow DPAC prepares participants for Community Hill Day and meetings with lawmakers’ officesWhy you don’t need policy expertise—or a perfectly polished story—to make a differencePractical ways to get involved, from action alerts and emails to town halls and behind-the-scenes supportHow to find an organization or advocacy effort connected to an issue that matters to youHow to share your experience without disclosing more than feels comfortableWays to make advocacy sustainable so it doesn’t become another overwhelming responsibilityKey Quotes “The truth is that your lived experience and your story are what will stick with people. That is what people remember, a specific story.” — Susan Weiner“Instead of thinking polished, think authentic. Think honest.” — Susan Weiner“Getting started at whatever point you’re ready is so important. When you share your voice, you also inspire other people to share theirs.” — Susan Weiner“I believe it’s the work of advocates that helps make the wheel turn, and that’s something you can be part of.” — Susan WeinerResources & Links Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) - https://www.diabetespac.org/DPAC Advocacy Handbook - https://www.diabetespac.org/handbookAmerican Diabetes Association Advocacy - https://diabetes.org/advocacyBreakthrough T1D Advocacy - https://www.breakthrought1d.org/explore-advocacy/Blue Circle Health Webinar - Advocacy Made Simple: An Introduction to Diabetes Advocacy with DPAC - https://youtu.be/OEbK2J2MFhkBlue Circle Health Webinar - Everyday Advocacy: Small Ways to Make a BIg Difference with Steph Ash - https://youtu.be/6O9qG-GyoLQ Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.orgWant to Share Your Story?Your story matters. When you share it, you’re helping to build something bigger. You’re helping others feel seen. You’re making sure the realities of living with T1D are heard. You’re inspiring needed change. Visit https://www.bluecirclehealth.org/shareyourstory/ to submit your story. We’ll share these stories to help grow the movement for better T1D care. What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D? The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D. Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.
