Diabetes in the real with Karli - CDCES

04/01/2026

No one ever said it was going to be Easy.
You live with diabetes after all.

03/31/2026

03/27/2026

It’s easy to give “advice” to someone with diabetes, when you don’t live with it yourself. Be careful.

03/25/2026

Ok People, Let’ Get Real…
Is it EVER a good time to get T1 or T2 diabetes? Ofcourse NOT!
Although….
I have met so many incredible people in the last 3 months since starting this post; many of you 50, 55 and even 60 years of diabetes under your belt (and if you are one of them, PLEASE speak up so we can celebrate you🎉)! With all that we know now, and all that is on the horizon, yes-it does still Blow- but imagine going back to the days of urine testing, injections the size of harpoons that had to be boiled after each use, injecting pig or beef insulin (I started out in pork insulin), “exchange” diets that were RIDICULOUS and IMPOSSIBLE to follow, just to name a few.
Yes- it still Blows, and we’re battling a war everyday. But at least our knowledge and weapons are improved-and we’re much more victorious than we EVER were! Hang in there Gang- this IS a battle, and right now, we’re ALL winning😊

03/20/2026

How true is this?
There’s nothing easy about this People!
We never get to unload this. It goes EVERY where with us, EVERY day, EVERY hour.
Don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself grace.
The load is a heavy one.

03/20/2026

💙 Why This Page Exists 💙

This page was created to make diabetes education feel clearer, more supportive, and more real-life.

Our goal is to share helpful information, everyday tips, and encouragement for anyone living with diabetes, at risk, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more. Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming... but no one should have to figure it out alone.

If you follow this page, you can expect practical education, awareness, and a community built on support, not judgment.

We’re glad you’re here. 🤍

Let’s start a conversation:
What’s one thing you wish people better understood about diabetes?

03/18/2026

Truth.

(but I will add soda . Soda and juice-very harmful*
I call it “Liquid Krack” for those of us living with the ‘betes)

*unless you’re crashing, ofcourse

03/17/2026

Getting mixed messages on exercise? Exercise ALWAYS brings blood sugars down.
Right?
Nope. At times, it can actually have the opposite effect.
Ofcourse we’re always telling peeps to do it-it’ll drop the numbers. However- I always warn folks that have hba1c over about a 9.0- IF you’ve been running high long enough to affect the hba1c, your body is in a natural state of stress. Our bodies do NOT dig running high for long periods of time.
I remember when I got out of the hospital after diagnosis I had my meter (about the size of a car battery) and tested at about 300. I was excited to go for a walk because, after all, I learned in diabetes class that “Exercise brings blood sugar DOWN”. The plan was a 5-mile jaunt, however there was NO way I had the energy (after running 1496 on diagnosis the week before!) I was not able to walk more than half a mile before total exhaustion took over. I remember being so pumped to check my reading-after all- I EXERCISED.
I will never forget the reading- 428 (that’s my birthday!)
Why? What happened?
Remember this- if you’ve been running high for an extended period of time and you exercise, the body often views that exercise as STRESSFUL. YES- we all know what stress does.
Best to bring your sugars down first with your medications-THEN use exercise to stabilize and maintain your numbers. Nothing is more frustrating than putting forth effort and watching the numbers go North despite your best efforts. Hang in there kids- you’re figuring it out. It takes time. Much to learn.

03/14/2026

Goofy Picture but serious subject. Having diabetes and getting enough rest is vital. I always tell my people- if you feel tired, fatigued, weary, out-of-it, sleepy- give into it. Especially if your hba1c is on the higher end. Fighting it will only cause undue stress and we ALL know how stress impacts the blood sugar! One thing I always say about us- we are keenly aware of our bodies. We are blessed with rare perception of our response to stress. Use that gift to your advantage and just stop and listen to your body and what it’s telling you. Besides- is there anything more lovely than a 3 o’clock nap?
I think NOT!🥱😴

03/12/2026

One of the most powerful things about the diabetes community is the amount of real-world experience people bring to the table.

Doctors and healthcare professionals provide essential guidance, but lived experience also teaches lessons that can’t always be found in textbooks. Over time, people learn practical strategies, helpful routines, and ways to navigate challenges that others can benefit from hearing. There’s NO substitute for experience !

When people share those experiences, it strengthens the entire community.

That’s one of the goals of this page, creating a place where knowledge, encouragement, and thoughtful conversation can happen in one space. And by all means, share an experience or two! I guarantee its happened to someone else out there- I talk to people with diabetes all day long and oftentimes, people try to “Stump” me, thinking they’ll tell me something I’ve never seen before. HA! In 35 years in practice, and 45 years of living it- I do believe I’ve seen it all!
(But hey! Try me!😅).

Whether you live with diabetes, support someone who does, or simply want to understand it better, your perspective matters here.

Conversation starter....
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone newly navigating diabetes?

If you enjoy thoughtful discussions like this, follow the page so you can join future conversations.

03/11/2026

Announcing To All Interested Parties (😳)-

After deep and considerable contemplation I have decided to step down as a person with T1 diabetes.
While it’s been One “HeckofaRide”, it has proven to be a wee-bit more challenging and not quite as fun as initially anticipated. Subsequently, in turn, I have officially declared it is NOT for me.
Effective immediately, I shall return to my former life of Lolly-Gagging, Mischief-Making, and may even decide to go TRICK OR TREATING later this year just to make-up for lost time. I may also, quite frankly, drink an occasional REAL-COKE whenever the mood shall strike moving forward. I shall spend time in upcoming weeks pondering other subjects outside of blood glucose management Shenanagans, and carb counting. The return of all syringes, sensors, insulin pens, juice boxes, Hot Tamale/Mike & Ike-filled prescription containers and former pump tubing to officially approved containers (the garbage can) will be in effect immediately. I will miss all of my compadre’s with whom have encouraged and mentored me over these past 45 years and wish you success in all future endeavors.
It’s been REAL Kids!🎃

03/10/2026

When people think about managing diabetes, they often focus on big changes. But in reality, small habits practiced consistently tend to make the biggest difference over time.

Things like paying attention to patterns, staying curious about how your body responds, checking in with routines, and making gradual adjustments can build a strong foundation for long-term health.

Progress with diabetes rarely happens overnight. It usually happens through small, steady actions repeated day after day.

And the great thing about community discussions is that people often discover helpful habits they hadn’t thought about before.

Let’s share ideas!!
What’s one small habit that has helped you manage diabetes more effectively?

If these kinds of conversations are useful to you, following the page is a great way to stay connected as we continue building this community together.