Episode 3: Diabuddy Dialogue – Maternal Health and Type 1 Diabetes

In this Diabuddy Dialogue episode, we speak with Rugia, who became an advocate for maternal health because of her experience navigating pregnancy with T1D. She highlights important gaps in maternal healthcare and education that are all too frequently overlooked. We explore the importance of equity and access for pregnant folks living with diabetes, as well as what actual change might look like. This examination of advocacy, resiliency, and the struggle for improved maternal care is compelling – and necessary.

Guest Bio: Rugia is a mother, an engineer working in the medical device field and a first-generation Canadian. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14, she brings lived experience as a teenager, young adult and as a mother. Rugia is deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and access to diabetes care and technology across Canada.

Hosted by: Aastha and Afreen
Guest speaker: Rugia Malik

Resources:

1. Research article: CONCEPTT trial, a landmark study, revealed that the use of CGM in pregnant women with T1DM was associated with better glycaemic control and reduced incidences of neonatal hypoglycaemia 
2. Healthy Moms diabetes website
3. Closed loop therapy improves glycemic control in pregnant women wtih t1d