Betsy Cheng

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Betsy was diagnosed during the May 2–4 weekend in 2008. She was originally misdiagnosed, and later learned that she lives with type 1.5 diabetes, also known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). That moment came with two immediate realizations. She wanted to understand what type 1.5 diabetes actually meant, and she wondered how many other people were out there living with the same diagnosis. What followed was a mix of confusion and curiosity, along with questions about how diabetes would shape her life moving forward. 

One of Betsy’s biggest daily challenges is managing the many things most people never see. Constantly monitoring blood sugar levels, making decisions around food, planning for activity, managing stress, and preparing for the unexpected all require ongoing attention. Alongside the physical work, there is an emotional layer that often goes unnoticed. The mental load of diabetes is real, and burnout is something many people experience, even when it is not visible to others. 

Living with diabetes has shaped Betsy in powerful ways. She sees diabetes as a source of strength and refuses to let it stop her from living fully. Diabetes has been with her through countless adventures and meaningful moments, and over time it has become something she shares openly rather than carries quietly. She is not ashamed of diabetes, because she knows it is nothing to be ashamed of. 

The diabetes community has played a significant role in who Betsy is today. It has been one of the most supportive and welcoming spaces she has ever known. The encouragement, guidance, and connection she has received, especially during moments when she reached out with questions or challenges, has been consistent and deeply meaningful. 

Betsy loves community, and through her social media platform, she shares real life with diabetes, including the messy, challenging, and unglamorous parts that are often left out. She wants people to see that diabetes does not prevent anyone from chasing adventures or living a full life. It is simply part of the journey. Being able to connect with others and help them feel seen is something Betsy finds incredibly meaningful. 

Betsy is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help change the conversation around diabetes and reduce stigma through honesty and visibility. Her message to anyone newly diagnosed is compassionate and real. Feel every feeling. You did not ask for this, and it is okay to be scared, angry, or frustrated. Give yourself time to process, and remember that you do not have to face it alone. 

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma