Why Self-Advocacy Matters in Diabetes Management

For Nikki Nurse, who is living with Type 2 diabetes, doing her homework and becoming her own advocate is the best way to manage her illness. 

For example, she takes careful notes of questions she wants to bring up at doctor visits. She maintains frequent, honest communication with her diabetes care team. And she uses her cell phone’s calendar and notifications to remind her to drink water and take her medications.

“I'm relying on myself and these skills that I have put together to work for me in the management of my care,” says Nikki. “So my advice for anyone who is going to advocate for themselves.”

One doctor Nikki saw made her feel as if her diabetes is her fault. In addition to finding a new, more understanding provider, she began therapy and other holistic measures to tend to her health.

“It really did the best thing for my A1C,” Nikki says. “I feel like this is the best version of myself because I’ve created this care team that serves me.”

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here and how she manages her A1C here.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts