T1D Community Blog | Diabetes Hope Foundation

Rav Samra Bio

Rav Samra was diagnosed with type one diabetes when she was two years old.

Rav grew up knowing no one with diabetes and this inspired her to meet others with type one and support them. In 2013, Rav received a scholarship from the Diabetes Hope Foundation. She received her BASc in Occupational Health and Safety and HR Management certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Since 2013, Rav has mentored type ones through DHF’s mentorship program. She has spoken at many webinars and in-person events. She is part of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and continues to support the development and execution of DHF’s programs.

Rav is a passionate advocate within the diabetes community. She was interviewed by CBC reflecting on the cost of insulin in Canada and authored a paper with T1International published by Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

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T1D Blog, diabetes blog, type 1 diabetes blog

greater than t1D, blog, diabetes blog, type 1 diabetes blog

At DHF, we understand the ups and downs of living with type 1 diabetes – pun intended! We admire the youth we work with who bravely confront T1D, refusing to let T1D stand in the way of them achieving their dreams. Our blog is a platform for these inspiring individuals to share their stories of triumph through the day to day challenges of navigating life with Type 1 diabetes. We are excited to feature their stories, not only to inspire and inform but also to remind everyone in the diabetes community that they are not alone. Let’s celebrate resilience, exchange stories, and form a supportive community that celebrates youth who truly are greater than T1D!

DHF Community Blog

Greater Than T1D

Managing Diabetes in the Workplace: My Journey as an Educational Assistant

Managing Diabetes In the Workplace: As a person living with diabetes, it is important to remember that it is your legal right to have accommodations in put place.

Not So Universal: The Reality of Universal Healthcare for Canadians with Diabetes

Not So Universal: In this blog we explore the inequalities in diabetes healthcare that creates a divide in quality of life and health outcomes in Canada.

Turning My T1D Story into a Business: The Creation of Sugardrop Co.

Turning My T1D Story into a Business: The Creation of Sugardrop Co. – That little phrase sparked an idea that would turn into something bigger than I ever imagined.

How to Choose an Adult Care Team

How to Choose an Adult Care Team that Supports Your T1D Management: Assess which clinic best fits your needs and helps you to feel empowered in your diabetes management.

Redefining “Normal” in My Diabetes Story

I would tell myself stories of perfection. Maybe, if I could constantly keep my blood sugar in control through harsh ratios, bolusing, and obsessive control, I would be Normal again.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy in the Transition to Adult Diabetes Care

Transitioning from a pediatric diabetic clinic to an adult diabetic clinic can be a daunting experience. For many T1Ds, this signifies a shift not only in healthcare providers, but also in the approach to managing their diabetes.

T1D Technology: Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Change

I was introduced to new tech that helped improve ease of treatment, like glucose monitors and insulin pumps. As I began using this tech, I grew frustrated with the excessive plastic waste it created.

T1D Community: Diabuddies are the Best Friends!

I was the only kid in my whole elementary school with Type 1 diabetes. So when I finally got to high school and saw a DEXCOM on the arm of one of my classmates, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to make a diabuddy.

Navigating Relationships During your Transition

I’ve always been pretty open about the diabetes stuff. People honestly just want to know more. And when I tell them, they usually ask me how it works, and I can explain the science to them and what I do…

Arlene & Rafael’s Transition Story: Letting Go

The term ‘letting go’ means different things to different people, and the actual process of ‘letting go’ looks different for every family. We asked Arlene and Rafael to share their own story of navigating their son’s transition to university.

Beyond Food, Exercise, and Insulin: Embracing the Complexity of T1D

Blood sugar is affected by three main factors: food, exercise, and insulin. Other factors which could impact my blood sugar were alluded to, but not what their impact was or what to do to mitigate their effects…

10 Tips for Navigating the Transition to Post-Secondary with T1D

I moved from Northwestern Ontario to Hamilton for school, leaving my family and everything I had ever known a 2 hour flight, or 15 hour drive away. This was what I wanted, but it took extra preparation in order to make a successful transition.

Obstacle is the Way: Employment and T1D

As one of the first firefighters with Type 1 diabetes, Peter’s story serves as an inspiration to youth living with T1D who are transitioning into the workforce, especially into careers that were traditionally non-accepting of individuals with diabetes.

My Body: An Interview with Erin Marcellina

I had the pleasure of interviewing Canadian singer-songwriter, Erin Marcellina, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 8 years old. This interview focused on Erin’s new song, “My Body”, and the realities of living with T1D and working as a full-time musician.

Type 1 Diabetes Stigma: As a (Stigma)tter of Fact

Being the first kid with T1D in my family was isolating. It was hard for my immigrant parents to learn and deal with this disease, and it was equally as hard for my older sisters who were still kids.

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Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization founded in 1999. The foundation’s mission is to provide education and resources to help youth with diabetes transition to a healthier tomorrow. Learn more about our youth programs and resources below.