Jason dean

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Jason was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just two years old in 1976. At the time, awareness and understanding of T1D were limited, and his diagnosis journey was anything but straightforward. His parents knew something was wrong as he became extremely thirsty, sick, and unwell, but initial concerns were dismissed. When Jason lost consciousness, he was rushed back to the hospital and placed in a coma, with doctors warning his family to prepare for the worst.

In a moment that would change everything, his family acted quickly to get him the care he needed. Jason was transported to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, where he was stabilized. From there, his family began the lifelong journey of learning how to manage diabetes without the technology and tools that exist today.

Living with T1D for decades has come with many challenges. In his 40s, Jason experienced what felt like a complete reset, where his body changed and he had to relearn how to manage his blood sugars, understand his highs and lows, and listen to his body all over again. Despite this, he adapted once more, proving that resilience is built over time and through experience.

Jason has always been open about his diabetes. He believes in sharing both the highs and the lows, knowing that honesty helps others feel less alone. His journey has shown him the importance of advocating for yourself, listening to your body, and continuing to learn no matter how long you have lived with T1D.

He is proud to be returning to the Pump Couture Fashion Show, where he uses his story to help raise awareness and support others living with diabetes. For Jason, this event is about more than the runway. It is about community, connection, and showing that diabetes does not define what you are capable of.

As a child, Jason did not have access to D-Camps in his region, but he did attend a camp program that gave him a sense of belonging and connection with others who understood his experience. That impact has stayed with him. Today, he is passionate about helping send kids to D-Camps so they can feel supported, confident, and never alone in their journey.

Jason continues to show that living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong journey of learning, adapting, and advocating. His story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community.

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma