The latest TCOYD (Taking Control of Your Diabetes) online newsletterfeatures my new diabetes survival guide – “Diabetes Do’s & How-To’s” – on its back cover. My thanks to all my generous friends at TCOYD and Dr. Steven Edelman, its founder. Read the whole newsletter and start learning.

I interviewed Dr. Edelman as a diabetes change leader on The Huffington Post. He created a true breakthrough – the delivery of diabetes education directly to patients via conferences. Don’t hoard conferences just for doctors was his enlightened thinking. For while Edelman is a doctor he has also been living with type 1 diabetes since the age of fifteen.

I also found my whole thinking about my power to live well with diabetes change when I attended my first TCOYD event. That was back in 2005 in San Diego. I was sitting in CDE/Psychologist, Bill Polonsky’s session. He said, “Diabetes doesn’t cause blindness, heart attack, amputation. Poorly controlled diabetes does.” Today he often says, well controlled diabetes is the cause of nothing. 

It made me realize my actions largely control my illness and I have power over my actions. Take good actions and you will benefit. I began using my power: eating healthier, eating less and walking more. The results have paid off and I see it each year when I get my blood work done. 

I highly recommend getting to TCOYD’s one day event, even if you have to travel. You will learn so much and it costs a mere $10 or $20 depending on when you register. 

Events are presented around the country, so see if there’s one coming up near you or take a trip, it’s worth it. This fall TCOYD will be in Worcester, MA, Omaha, NE, Albuquerque, NM and San Diego, CA. Here’s the schedule.

For now, sending my best to all my friends at TCOYD, the thousands of patients who have benefitted from a TCOYD event, and those who yet will.