“Diabetes has taught me that I’m more capable than I ever knew.”
Diabetes shouldn’t define anyone, and Jacob is living proof. “I’m not ‘a diabetic,’ I’m Jacob, and I happen to have diabetes. That distinction matters. It’s about where you place the emphasis.”
While diabetes influences his daily routine, it’s not the lens through which he views his entire life. As a diabetes advocate, he wants to challenge others to reframe their thinking around diabetes as well.
“With the right management, you can accomplish anything. Diabetes has taught me that I’m more capable than I ever knew,” he says.
Living with diabetes has also made him more mindful about his health beyond his blood sugar. “I pay attention to my body and the choices I make every day in ways I never did before. I’m more in tune with myself because of it.”
But he didn’t get there overnight. His advice to anyone newly diagnosed? “Take it one step at a time. Give yourself permission to learn gradually. Each day will teach you something new—and you’re not alone. There’s an awesome community here to support you. Progress, not perfection.”
Being adaptable is one of Jacob’s cornerstones for living a full and empowered life with diabetes. “Every day requires resilience to keep going, strategy to manage well, and adaptability when things don’t go as planned.” It’s that mindset that has kept him moving forward and that will be an inspiration to others as one of our next diabetes advocates.
Jacob C. is an employee of Dexcom, Inc.
