CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Lisa Hart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2005, just two days after her 8-year-old daughter received the same diagnosis. The timing was shocking and surreal, and the days that followed were a whirlwind. Lisa remembers how overwhelming it all felt, and how quickly life changed.
At the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Lisa and her daughter became well known at the pediatric diabetes clinic. Lisa was the first adult to be diagnosed with T1D in that clinic, and their situation was unforgettable to the care team. Even through the uncertainty, Lisa felt deeply grateful for one thing: she wasn’t walking this road alone. Having her daughter beside her from day one created a bond that is incredibly rare and powerful. They became a team immediately, supporting each other through the fear, the learning curve, and the new normal that followed.
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is something Lisa feels every single day. The highs and lows can affect everything, even the simplest routines like grocery shopping, driving to work, or running errands. Sleep can be challenging too, because diabetes is a 24/7 condition and doesn’t pause for busy schedules or responsibilities. It can slow her down at times, but Lisa refuses to let it stop her.
Over the years, Lisa has become extremely aware of how food impacts her blood sugar, and she has learned how to exercise safely while avoiding dangerous highs or lows. She strongly believes that living with T1D has pushed her into a healthier lifestyle, one built around awareness, preparation, and resilience.
Outside of diabetes, Lisa loves to travel. Interestingly, she only started travelling in 2017, and now she has an extensive bucket list of places she wants to explore. Diabetes requires careful planning, but Lisa is proof that it can absolutely be done. In fact, she and her daughter celebrated a major milestone last year by taking a Caribbean cruise together, marking 20 years of surviving and thriving with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Lisa’s message to anyone living with T1D, or anyone supporting someone who is, is simple and powerful:
"Find your support. Lean on family, friends, and the online community. Lisa has learned so much from others living with diabetes and has gained strength through shared experiences. While it can feel tempting to isolate, she believes the journey becomes so much lighter when you find your way forward alongside people who truly understand."
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