Real Talk
How to Respond to Chronic Illness Comments During the Holidays
These funny or serious responses can help combat well-intentioned yet sometimes misguided comments.
November 20, 2023
Living with type 2 diabetes can be hard. Hear relatable stories from people who get it.
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Real Talk
The Truth About Chronic Illness and Fatigue
Fatigue is common in those living with chronic illnesses. But this symptom is often treated as an afterthought. Here's what you should know and what might help.
November 02, 2023
Real Talk
Unhidden’s Founder Talks About Creating Clothes for Every Body
Providing dignity and identity to those living with disabilities is at the core of Unhidden's mission. Learn more about this adaptive clothing brand that featured at London Fashion Week.
July 19, 2023
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.
June 26, 2023
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.
March 31, 2023
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.
February 28, 2023
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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.
July 19, 2022
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.
March 06, 2023
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.
October 10, 2023
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.
September 25, 2023
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.
June 29, 2023
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.
June 16, 2023
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.
April 19, 2023
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.
May 01, 2023
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.
February 27, 2023
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.
January 18, 2023
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.
January 29, 2023
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.
January 20, 2023
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.
August 12, 2022
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.
July 18, 2022
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.
August 19, 2022
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.
July 19, 2022
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.
July 07, 2022
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.
June 13, 2022
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.
June 24, 2022
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.
June 10, 2022
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.
March 14, 2022
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.
March 23, 2022
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.
February 17, 2022
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.
February 15, 2022
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.
November 24, 2021
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.
December 02, 2021
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.
November 11, 2020
Real Talk
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.
March 05, 2021
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.
July 12, 2021
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.
July 17, 2020
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.
January 21, 2021
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.
April 06, 2021
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.
September 03, 2021
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.
September 30, 2021
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.
October 13, 2021
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.
November 12, 2021
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.
November 09, 2021
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.
October 26, 2022