Oftentimes, the first question people ask is along the lines of “What brought you to this line of work? What or who inspired you? How did you end up here?”

That’s a great question, I would love to tell you.

One thing about me…I don’t want all the fluff and surface-level conversations when I’m among friends. I want to be steeped in absolutely all the details and all the side stories of the main story. That’s exactly what you’re getting here, so here we go! What you are not getting here is medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek a qualified medical provider if you have health-related concerns about these or any potential health conditions.

The pivotal moment that jump-started my nutrition path was when my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in 2018. After a couple days in the Pediatric ICU getting stabilized she went to the regular floor and that’s where we as a family learned the basics of diabetes care before we could take her home. The fact they sent us home with a few hours of education, a glucose meter, syringes, insulin, glucagon and a screen shot of the “diabetes math” we’d been learning on a white board seems bonkers to me!??! Over time I learned a lot about diabetes and taking care of my type 1 teenager. We leaned heavily on her healthcare team who were top-notch. I grew stronger and more confident in providing care for my daughter. I was also witnessing my daughter’s rapidly increasing abilities, confidence and independence at the same time. After all, this is her chronic illness, and one she will manage 24/7 for the rest of her life. Until there is a cure.

Let’s add to the recipe of life now, shall we? The same day my daughter was diagnosed, I received news from my gastroenterologist: confirmed Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease. The only advice he left on my voicemail was, “eat a gluten-free diet forever”. Thanks? I attempted to eat a gluten-free pizza at the hospital that very night. I was already in an emotional state, so give me a GF hospital cafeteria pizza and all I could do was cry. My own diagnosis went on the backburner that day and for quite some time afterwards.

I started my nutrition education in the summer of 2020. It was what I learned as the caregiver of my t1d child (I do want to deeply acknowledge my amazing husband and amazing son who were right alongside us for support all this time, but I chose the primary caregiver role) and knowing I wanted to help others that prompted me back to school. It was the vast nutrition world that I was digging into - and loving - that kept me exploring. I graduated with an AAS in Nutrition and Dietetics, and certificates in Diabetes Care & Education, Community Nutrition Worker, and Nutrition & Health Promotion, which all accompany my previous BA in English. I sat for my nutrition exam and received my NDTR credential in June of 2023.

Today, my daughter is a thriving young adult. We recently launched her into the world as a freshman college student living that dorm life at a state university and managing type 1 diabetes on her own. I loved hearing about a fellow student on campus who approached my daughter, pointed to their matching insulin pumps and said with a smile, “Twins!” There is so much support and understanding amongst the t1d community, both for the t1d themselves but also their caregivers/family members/loved ones.

Image credit: Pure Life Nutrition family vault

As for my Celiac and gluten-free living, I struggled. It took me quite a while to get onboard and some days are still hard. I’ve learned so much along the way and understand the long-term health implications and importance of eating gluten-free with Celiac. Bottom line: it makes my body feel and function better which encourages me to maintain my GF lifestyle.

The boys continue to be awesome and supportive as ever, too. Our rock(s).

Finally…

I knew -nothing- about type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, before my daughter’s diagnosis. Since I didn’t know the signs and symptoms presenting right in front of my eyes for a prolonged period of time, she developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). At the time, I had no idea of the utter seriousness. Now that I do, I want you to know too.

Once the pancreas reduces or stops making insulin to break down glucose, the body begins to use fat as a fuel source which then produces ketones. For people with diabetes who do not make enough (or any) insulin, this becomes a life-threatening situation if not treated.

Type 1 Diabetes Signs & Symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst, exhaustion, unexplained weight loss. Oftentimes diagnosis is overlooked because these symptoms can mimic flu, strep, other illnesses, or can seemingly be justified and explained (ask me how I know). Ask your healthcare provider for a simple blood sugar test (a finger poke) or urine test if you suspect type 1 diabetes. It’s that simple.

If type 1 diabetes is left undiagnosed and/or untreated, DKA can develop and produce symptoms like fruity-smelling breath, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, drowsiness, coma and death. Seek emergency medical care immediately.

Credit to Beyond Type 1 for the education campaign and image below.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website and blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or suspect that you might.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content on this site should not be relied upon as a substitute for seeking professional medical care. Use of the information provided on this website is at your own risk.

By accessing this site, you acknowledge that the content is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute a provider-patient relationship.

Origin Story

Broccoli Cheese Soup