Years ago, when I had time on my hands and my anxiety levels were much higher, I spent a lot of time online looking at health forums and chat rooms, swapping stories with fellow hypochondriacs. As I read through discussion threads, or replied to messages with words of support, I often thought, “I wish there was someone well-known – maybe a celebrity – who shares my concerns. I wish there was someone in the spotlight who understands what I am going through.”
Today, celebrities, professional athletes and media personalities are much more open about their own personal struggles and issues surrounding health. For the little boys and girls who idolize them, it’s an incredible feeling to know they’re not alone.
Max Domi, a professional hockey player in the NHL, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Max hopes that by opening up about his personal experiences with diabetes, he will inspire Canadians to visit poweredbyaccuracy.ca to learn more about diabetes and the Accuracy Coach program.
“Managing diabetes can be hard, but with the right coaching and support there are no limits. It’s so important that people with diabetes have the confidence to develop a healthy mindset and take control,” says Domi. “I want to reach as many people as I can and share my own experience and tell my own story. Diabetes hasn’t stopped me and the goals I’ve set for myself, and it doesn’t have to stop anyone else.”
As I read this, I couldn’t help but think about the boy or girl, recently diagnosed, who wonders how diabetes will affect their life. I think back to some of my own health hurdles, and how I often felt alone.
Finally, I think of Max Domi, who truly understands the meaning of “idol.” He doesn’t think twice about drawing from his own life to help others.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, visit poweredbyaccuracy.ca. You’ll find personal accounts from those living with diabetes, along with health-related information from industry professionals, educational videos and an opportunity to submit your own diabetes-related questions directly to Max.
Imagine, the ability to connect with a professional athlete over a common health issue. The chance to submit a question and have it answered by NHL player Max Domi. The knowledge that someone you admire is going through the same ups and downs, and cares enough to take the time to chat about it.
The CONTOUR® NEXT Powered by Accuracy website offers a support system for people managing diabetes, helping them to take their management of the disease to the #nextLevel.
(Do you know someone with diabetes? Share this coupon to receive a FREE CONTOUR® NEXT meter with the purchase of CONTOUR® NEXT Test Strips. Professional athletes like Max Domi trust CONTOUR® NEXT meter for an easy testing experience, more tracking knowledge with 7-, 14-, 30- and 90-day averages of blood glucose levels, and simple, plain language messages with no codes or abbreviations.)
Today, I’m thankful for health forums, online chat groups and professional athletes like Max Domi, who make us realize that no one is alone – there’s always someone willing to lend an ear or shoulder for support.
This post was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
I think it is great that this is happening, gives hope to a lot of people dealing with issues like this. Especially for young people diagnosed with Diabetes, this hopefully will give them lots of hope and encouragement.
I know people with diabetes so I will share this with them. Side note though is that domi is sadly the wrong person for this company to promote, he’s rude, arrogant and down right nasty to his fans.
My dad has diabetes and it can be very hard to handle! Love that there are famous people who will talk about the issue and most importantly supports kids who might be scared or worried!
Love this. I know so many people with diabetes! I’m glad people are talking and advancements are being made!
My dad has diabetes and my sister had gestational diabetes. It’s always on the forefront of my mind! Healthy living, prevention and management!!!!!
my aunt has diabetes she has a machine that attaches to a thing inserted in her stomach. she gets her insulin through that now. she finds it so much better then the needles.
I think its great that certain topics are more openly discussed but in my opinion it has gone to far in that direction with way too much over-sharing!!
You have to really be proactive in your own health
a celebrity endorsement I can get behind
I have type 2 diabetes which isn’t as bad, but boy can I tell when I need sugar in my system I start shaking and sweating, it’s scary at times
Thanks so much for putting this topic out there especially for young people diagnosed with Diabetes it can be very stressful dealing with the disease
My kids Grandma had diabetes so this is good for them to see and read.They are going to get tested to see if they are at risk.Thanks for posting
My daughter has type 1 diabetes. Thank you for sharing.
It is amazing the break throughs they have had, our niece has been diabetic since she was 7 years old, she is now 25 and has an insulin pump
I love when people get chatting about the important causes , and even more a support to them suffering or their friends and family can come read up and understand better !
My husband has type 2 diabetes. So far he is managing it well.
just heard the liberal govt has stopped paying for the blood test strips, this will make for fewer tests done by individuals and possibly more trips to the ER
Diabetes was really hard on my grandma, especially in her later years
I think it’s great that people are talking about it and celebrities are sharing their personal experiences. It definitely helps people to know they are not alone and opens the conversation up to help normalize and manage it!
it’s so important to watch your sugar intake
My son is a type 1 diabetic. No history of diabetes in our family. They believe it was caused by a virus. Thanks for the conversation!
Thanks for sharing this article it will be helpful to many
This is very inspirational.
Thank you for this information, Lena. Very helpful.
Type 2 diabetes runs in our family, gotta be careful.