A new era of hope for diabetes care: Katie’s journey

On World Diabetes Day, we are honored to share this article written by two amazing DiMe colleagues, Katie Gagel and Abby Sugg. We are also excited to announce that we are building the team for a new project to drive market access for diabetes management. If you want to join us to collaborate on new work that will change the lives of millions, please reach out here today!

“Katie, you are going to die young if you don’t get your diabetes under control,” my endocrinologist said, his glasses sliding halfway down his nose as he looked at me.

“Okay,” I replied flatly, meeting his eyes as I slumped in the chair. I wasn’t moved.

“You need to start checking your blood sugar every day. Take your medication. Exercise. Don’t cancel these appointments. You’re so young,” he continued, his voice trying to sound encouraging.

I nodded at the right moments, but I looked right through him. Fear of death? That didn’t reach me. If he only knew—sometimes the thought of death seemed more like a relief than a threat.

I was diagnosed in December 2008 as a college student in rural Kentucky. Back then, I didn’t have a support system to guide me, so I had to navigate this disease I barely understood, mostly alone. I spent hours educating myself, advocating for what I needed. At times, I was taking up to eleven medications, a mix of diabetes treatments, medications to counter the side effects of those treatments and others for unrelated conditions.

Managing diabetes was overwhelming. I struggled to check my blood sugar daily. Sometimes, I’d forget. Other times, I just didn’t care. Moving to insulin pens only made things harder. Oral medication was manageable, but trying to keep a consistent schedule with insulin? That was another level. I felt more like diabetes was managing my life than the other way around.

I was exhausted, mentally and physically. My body felt worn out, constantly on the edge of sickness, and depression set in. Beyond the mental and physical toll, the financial cost of managing my condition was so great that I often had to ration medication or skip appointments because I couldn’t afford the copays. I even rationed my sick days and PTO, trying to save time for the blood work, doctor visits, or the days when the side effects made me feel too sick to work.

More than numbers: The real cost of managing diabetes

Managing diabetes goes far beyond medical routines, requiring a significant physical, emotional, and financial investment. The daily reality includes monitoring blood sugar levels, keeping up with doctor visits, and managing the mental toll of the condition. For many, the financial strain can be as overwhelming as the physical challenges. Insulin, continuous monitoring equipment, and other essential medical supplies add up quickly, making it difficult for patients to stay on top of their care. 

In recent years, digital health tools have emerged as a transformative force for those with diabetes. For example, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) represent a significant leap forward, offering real-time blood sugar tracking without the constant finger pricks. These devices continuously provide data, empowering patients to make informed diet, medication, and lifestyle decisions. For me, access to real-time information allowed me to see patterns, make healthier choices, and, ultimately, feel more in control of my health.

Digital tools like CGMs and insulin pumps redefine diabetes management, making daily life less intrusive and manageable. These advances allow people with diabetes to focus less on the constraints of their condition and more on living their lives fully. But, as I’ve seen, the high cost of such tools often limits access. To realize the full potential of digital health, we must advocate for broader availability and affordability so that all individuals with diabetes have the opportunity to benefit.

A personal journey: Technology meets resilience

In November 2022, I committed to putting my health first. My blood sugar was often between 400 and 500, and my A1C had climbed to 14. After eight years in the toy industry, I switched to digital healthcare, which fortunately allowed me to work from home—a change that gave me the flexibility to prioritize my health.

In January 2023, the first thing I did after switching insurance was request a CGM. Almost immediately, my blood sugar began to stabilize. Accessing my levels at any moment was empowering; it made me question or second-guess what I was about to eat and helped me understand which foods affected me most. For the first time, I felt like I was in control.

By August 2023, I was able to take another step forward and started using an insulin pump. I also invested in working with a dietitian—who has diabetes herself—to help me interpret my data and spot blood sugar patterns beyond just A1C numbers. This guidance, combined with changing my diet through a local food delivery service and daily asynchronous check-ins with my dietitian, was a turning point. For the first time, I achieved stable blood sugar levels, bringing my A1C down to 6.5 and seeing consistent days of being time in range (TIR).

These digital tools have changed my life. I now see my physician less often, take fewer medications each day, and feel less burdened by the relentless demands of managing a chronic illness. Technology has given me a new life, one where I can make informed health decisions and manage my diabetes in a way that feels sustainable.

However, as I’ve experienced firsthand, the benefits of digital health tools are still not accessible to everyone. The high cost of CGMs and other advanced tools prevents many from experiencing this same transformation. It’s a reminder of the need for policy changes and initiatives to make these life-changing tools available to all.

Bridging the gap for a healthier future

The journey of advancing diabetes care must continue, driven by both technological progress and a commitment to equity. While digital tools have started to transform diabetes management, it’s essential that everyone, regardless of background or income, has access to these life-changing innovations. This World Diabetes Day, let’s push for policies and support systems that make advanced care accessible to all who need it, bridging gaps in care and addressing disparities in health outcomes.

I hope my story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible for patients living with diabetes when they have access to the right tools and support. It shows us that diabetes management can be more than a constant struggle; it can become a path to stability, resilience, and hope. 

World Diabetes Day isn’t just a reminder of the challenges—it’s a call to action for ongoing advocacy, innovation, and commitment to a future where technology empowers everyone to lead healthier lives.

Learn more about joining DiMe’s upcoming work to drive market access for diabetes management.