Real Talk

Real Talk

Feeling Unseen and Unheard: Is This Medical Gaslighting or Something Else?

Not feeling fully supported in healthcare settings can be common. It's important to know why you might be feeling this way — whether from medical gaslighting or from limited medical resources — and what you can do about it.

Real Talk

What It’s Like Being Chronically Ill in the Time of Wellness

Unsolicited medical advice is exhausting — and sometimes even plain rude. The wellness industry needs to wake up to the realities of living with a chronic illness.

Real Talk

How Fatigue Changed My Mindset as a Disability Activist

Hustle culture and the pandemic made me hit a breaking point. I was exhausted, but being an activist made me want to fight on. Now, I live by a different mantra.

Real Talk

5 Lessons from the Pandemic That Promote Inclusivity

We can continue to learn from the pandemic and encourage inclusivity in our everyday practices.

Real Talk

Helpful Bezzy T2D Ambassador Cooks Up Gratitude

Meet D Cal Callaway, an ambassador with Bezzy T2D, and learn how he manages his type 2 diabetes on a daily basis.

Real Talk

What Twitter’s Downfall Means for Chronic Condition Communities

The chronic condition community on Twitter has changed my life. I'm worried about what will happen without it.

Real Talk

A Tale of Two Sisters with Diabetes

Sarah Graves and her sister were both diagnosed with diabetes. Here’s how different this disease can be — even inside a single family.

Real Talk

How to Create and Keep Boundaries When You Have a Chronic Illness

IBD and other chronic illnesses can take a toll on how we value ourselves. But prioritizing our own needs is important for maintaining our physical and mental health.

Real Talk

Why Language Matters When It Comes to Counteracting Diabetes Stigma

The words we use when referring to diabetes care can fuel or counteract stigma. Choosing empowering language can reduce stigma and boost your confidence in managing your condition.

Real Talk

Am I Oversharing? 8 Tips for Navigating Social Media with a Chronic Illness

There are no perfect answers for how much to share and how much to hold back, but there are guidelines that might help you determine the right approach for you.

Real Talk

I Take Ozempic for My Diabetes: Here’s What My Experience Has Been Like

Taking Ozempic has done wonders for my blood sugars and weight, but I did experience side effects. Here's my experience taking the drug that has soared in popularity.

Real Talk

How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Black Americans

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects Black people in the United States. Here's a deep dive into the socioeconomic and environmental factors that contribute to this disparity.

Real Talk

Ableist Language in Pop Culture and How It Affects People with Chronic Illness

Ableism and ableist language are all too common, especially in pop culture. Learn how to recognize this language and ways to be more mindful of the words you choose.

Real Talk

Examining Racial Disparities in Amputation Due to Diabetes

People of Color are disproportionately affected by amputation as a result of unmanaged type 2 diabetes. Here's why and what's being done.

Real Talk

How Chronic Illness Affects More Than Just Your Physical Health

The nonphysical effects of living with a chronic condition are often ignored or underestimated. We need to change that. These are nine ways that living with a chronic condition has affected my life and strategies I've found to help me cope.

Real Talk

The Way We Treat the Undiagnosed Needs to Change

Being undiagnosed is an under-acknowledged stage of living with chronic physical or mental symptoms.

Real Talk

What the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Means for the Chronically Ill and Disabled Communities

The court’s decision affects all Americans, but disabled, chronically ill, and disadvantaged people will be disproportionately affected. They face healthcare inequities, poverty, and more.

Real Talk

I Ran Away to the Woods with My Diabetes Diagnosis — and I’ve Never Felt Better

My diabetes diagnosis, along with the effects of the pandemic, led me to make a major lifestyle change and move from the city to the woods. Here's how I adjusted.

Real Talk

My Journey to Becoming a Chronic Illness Advocate on Social Media

Writer Nia G. discusses her journey to becoming a social media advocate after her chronic illness diagnoses.

Real Talk

How a Diabetes Diagnosis Stopped Me in My Tracks — But Led to a 500-Mile Walk to Raise Awareness

In many ways, my month on this walk reflects what I've done since my diabetes diagnosis: I've continued to move forward, listen to my body, and honor the need for rest.

Real Talk

What I’ve Learned About Self-Advocacy When Living with a Chronic Condition

When living with a chronic condition or disability, finding and using your voice is a must.

Real Talk

Recognizing Signs of Medical Trauma When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Medical trauma is real but sometimes it can be hard to recognize. If you live with a chronic condition it is especially important to be aware of how traumatic medical scenarios can have lasting effects. If you have experienced medical trauma, it is important to know you are not alone.

Real Talk

Understanding Grief When It Comes to Your Chronic Condition or Disability

Having a chronic condition or disability can mean living without a lot of things. It’s important to talk about this grief and find ways to cope.

Real Talk

How Therapy Can Help If You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Finding the right therapist — one who understands life with chronic illness — can make all the difference.

Real Talk

We Need to Talk About Ableism and COVID-19

The issues that disabled and chronic condition communities face as a result of the pandemic are being ignored too easily.

Real Talk

How I’m Making Peace with the Never-Ending Pandemic

Those of us living with a chronic condition are used to navigating an unknown future.

Real Talk

What Taking Care of My Mom with Type 2 Diabetes Taught Me About Myself

For Sarah Graves, caring for her mother with type 2 diabetes took on a whole new meaning once she was diagnosed with the condition herself.

Real Talk

My First Month with Type II Diabetes

I felt driven by a need to understand how I got here in order to figure out how to move forward.

Real Talk

Medical Gaslighting Is Real, and It May Have Happened to You

A patient’s word should be believed. You shouldn't need to fight to advocate for your health when you're feeling your worst.

Real Talk

Having a Chronic Illness Helped Me Prepare for the Uncertainty of the Pandemic

Managing ulcerative colitis means accepting the unpredictability of life. That skill has become invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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How Living with Chronic Illness Has Helped Improve My Relationship with My Body

Whether you live with a chronic illness or not, living in a body is a complex experience.

Real Talk

Medical Burnout in People with Chronic Conditions Is Real — Here’s How to Cope

It’s important to address burnout as soon as possible to keep yourself healthy and happy.

Real Talk

5 Type 2 Diabetes Misconceptions That Get Under My Skin

People with type 2 diabetes deserve so much better than stigma and shame.

Real Talk

Beyond the Blue Circle: Why We Need Unity in the Diabetes Community

With increased awareness of diabetes in all its forms, more funding, compassion, and innovation will follow.

Real Talk

5 Tips for Overcoming Medication Stigma with Type 2 Diabetes

Here are some tips to help you accept your medication regimen as part of your diabetes self-care, instead of looking at it as a reflection of your efforts and self-worth.

Real Talk

7 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Diabetes

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be wondering how to bring it up to your kids.

Real Talk

Why You Can’t Hate Yourself into Wellness — and How to Be Kinder to Yourself Instead

Treat yourself kindly, and watch how this simple act helps you better manage your type 2 diabetes.

Real Talk

6 Things That Aren’t Helpful to Say to Someone with Type 2 Diabetes — and What to Say Instead

People living with type 2 diabetes want the support from their friends and family, but support can be shown without the unsolicited advice.

Real Talk

How to Communicate When Loved Ones Aren’t Accepting of Your Chronic Illness

Having a chronic illness can be a challenging experience, and it can feel even more challenging without the full support of those closest to you.

Real Talk

How I Balance Advocacy and Privacy Living with a Chronic Condition

Some days, sharing about my life with MS feels useful and authentic. Other times, I'd rather keep the details to myself.

Real Talk

How to Create Holiday Boundaries When You Have a Chronic Condition

When you're living with a chronic condition, understanding and communicating your needs is imperative. These boundaries can be especially important during the busy holiday season.