Miss America Contestant and Internationally Renowned Doctor Discuss The “Other Side” of Diabetes
Diabetes affects 29.1 million Americans and is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.[1] For the tens of thousands of people diagnosed each year, it can be tough to accept a lifelong chronic disease. This emotional “other side” of diabetes, can make a strong impact on the individual and their treatment.
Sierra Sandison, the former Miss Idaho was like other teenagers facing the fear of a fitting in. Being diagnosed at age 18, she couldn’t help but hate her diabetes and the burden it caused. After becoming enamored with past Miss America contestant and diabetic, Nicole Johnson, Sierra realized she needed to face her fears head on. She went on to make headlines as she walked the Miss America Pageant runway with an insulin pump clipped to her bikini.
This year alone, technology has really advanced for the better allowing Sierra further independence and freedom while managing her diabetes. Her continuous glucose monitor allows family to monitor her glucose levels remotely when she’s at various events nationwide. It’s also discreet, allowing for a quick peek at her phone to see what her levels look like. Her positive mindset, paired with the latest technology, has given Sierra a stronger grasp on the management of her diabetes and enabled her to live her dreams.
Dr. Bill Polonsky of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute works with patients like Sierra and their loved ones to help understand the many facets of managing diabetes. For American Diabetes Month, Sierra and Dr. Polonsky are teaming up to bring awareness to the “other side” of diabetes.
Sierra can speak to:
- The fears and feelings she experienced when she was diagnosed
- Steps she took to overcome the burden of her condition and achieve her pageant dream
- The technology she uses to keep her feeling confident
Dr. Polonsky will discuss:
- Tips for patients and loved ones dealing with diabetes
- Impact state of mind can have on the physical side of diabetes
- The role of technology in confidently managing diabetes
About Sierra Sandison: While Sierra was growing up, she struggled with self-esteem and trying to fit in. After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 18, she hated her disease–not just because it was affecting her health, but because of how it made her feel more different than she already was. She refused to wear an insulin pump until she heard about Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999. Nicole, who also lives with T1D, quickly became Sierra’s hero. Sierra made it her goal to someday wear an insulin pump while competing on the Miss America stage in order to do for others what Nicole Johnson had done for her. Three years later, she achieved her dream, along with launching the viral #showmeyourpump campaign which encouraged diabetics worldwide to proudly show their insulin pumps on social media. Since then, Sierra has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, the cover of Diabetes Forecast magazine, and Good Morning America. Sierra now spends her time speaking at schools, diabetes conferences and other events across the country about her story, as well as spreading her message about overcoming adversity, and loving the things that make you unique, rather than being ashamed of being different.
About Dr. Bill Polonsky: Bill is Co-Founder and President of Behavioral Diabetes Institute. Bill directs much of the research work of BDI, and is an internationally recognized expert on the behavioral aspects of diabetes. He is the 2014 Recipient of the Richard R. Rubin Award and associate clinical professor at the University of California in San Diego.
Interview courtesy of Dexcom
[1] 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
