Joanna Jackson

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Joanna was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age five in Montreal. She still remembers being in the hospital for two weeks, and the first night eating mashed potatoes for dinner. For years after, she couldn’t eat mashed potatoes because it brought back those memories. In those early days, she had to keep snacks with her at all times, test for sugar in her urine, and take a needle each day. Even then, diabetes demanded attention, and it still does. 

Joanna describes diabetes as a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year job, layered on top of every other role she holds in life. She is a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, and a kindergarten teacher. Every day includes decisions about food, timing, insulin, exercise, lows, highs, alarms, and site changes, sometimes repeating site changes when one fails due to years of scar tissue. It’s a lot, and she names that honestly. 

Living with T1D for 48 years has made Joanna a master of multitasking. Diabetes is always in the background, but so is gratitude. She appreciates the small moments and chooses to celebrate the good, because health is never guaranteed. 

Her happy place is her cottage, Loon Lookout, where she and her family celebrate Magic Hour on the dock each day, noticing the sky, the water, and the gift of being present. 

Her message is to celebrate the little wins and recognize the invisible work. Did you estimate the carbs well, wake up with a flat line, or stay in range most of the day. Be proud. And when it’s hard, allow frustration too. Celebrate the good and give compassion when needed. 



Joanna also deeply believes in D Camps. Camp gave her independence, friendships, and memories that have lasted a lifetime. She learned to do her own needle at camp when she was eight and carried that confidence into the rest of her life. 

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