Heidi peters

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Heidi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 59 during a severe episode of diabetic ketoacidosis, just weeks before the COVID pandemic intensified. Sixty hours before she was hospitalized, Heidi went to a physician expecting to be sent for immediate lab work. She suspected diabetes due to classic symptoms such as extreme dehydration, frequent urination, and overwhelming fatigue. Instead, she was sent home with a prescription for sleeping pills. Soon after, she became violently ill and required urgent care. 

Heidi was grateful to finally receive insulin, which has enabled her to thrive. She was also encouraged to pursue formal education in diabetes support, which sparked a new chapter of learning and advocacy. 

One of Heidi’s biggest challenges has been the widespread lack of awareness about the different types of diabetes, both in healthcare and in the broader community. Early on, she focused intensely on learning how to adapt recipes and calculate nutritional values per serving, an important part of managing blood sugar. Once she built the database she needed, the guesswork around food became more manageable. Still, diabetes remains a 24/7 responsibility. Adjusting insulin doses in response to the ever-changing demands of daily life will always require constant attention. 

While diabetes technology continues to improve and provides valuable insight into how the body responds to daily variables, device failures remain extremely challenging. Heidi has learned to be prepared by carrying backup supplies, including extra sensors, a glucose meter, and test strips. She has also discovered how much variability can exist in insulin and how important it is to stay informed. 

Heidi considers receiving insulin the greatest gift. Diabetes pushed her into fierce study and documentation of her journey, and it became the foundation for a powerful mission. She has proven that living well as an active senior with T1D is possible, earning credentials as a Resistance Trainer, Active Older Adult Trainer, and Personal Fitness Trainer. She is passionate about helping others believe in themselves, laugh often, learn new things, and stay active whenever possible. 

Heidi is also celebrating 50 years of teaching music. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Manitoba, and over the years she earned two university degrees in music. She has worked internationally as a performer, teacher, and public speaker, and she has presented and studied alongside medical professionals through the Performing Arts Medicine Association. Her primary interest is helping musicians prevent injuries and perform at their best. 

Heidi is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help change the conversation around diabetes and challenge stigma through education and visibility. Her message is bold and empowering. Do not let anyone scare you. Living with T1D is like taking on a new, unpaid, invisible full-time job with no holidays, but it is absolutely possible to live well. Believe in yourself, live your dreams, and never let fear be louder than hope. 

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma