Turning a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Into a Life Mission
Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, and no one understands that better than Bridget Wood, a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian, and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17, Bridget transformed her experience into a mission to educate and empower others. In this interview for the Direct Diabetes Podcast, she shares her personal story, career path, and expert tips for diabetes management.
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A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Bridget’s journey with diabetes began unexpectedly during her first summer job at Old Navy. At first, she noticed extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, and relentless thirst—symptoms she brushed off until one morning when she physically couldn't get up from the floor. A trip to urgent care revealed a blood sugar level of 425 mg/dL, leading to an ICU stay and a crash course in living with type 1 diabetes.
Despite the initial shock, Bridget’s experience with her diabetes educator helped reframe her diagnosis. “She was instrumental in showing me that diabetes wasn’t a death sentence,” Bridget recalls. That positive influence led her to shift career aspirations from future pharmacist to diabetes educator.
A Career Rooted in Advocacy and Education
Bridget’s professional journey started right after her dietetic internship, landing her a role as a diabetes educator. That opportunity laid the groundwork for her to become a CDCES early in her career. Soon, her expertise and passion for spreading awareness led her to media appearances, social media engagement, and collaborations with major diabetes organizations. Today, she wears multiple hats—educator, speaker, advisor, and influencer—bringing her firsthand experience to the forefront of diabetes advocacy.
Expert Tips for Managing Diabetes Daily
Bridget says managing diabetes is a 24/7 commitment. Here are some of her top strategies for staying prepared:
1. Daily Prep is Key
“I keep juice boxes on my desk, emergency snacks in my car, and glucose tabs in my purse,” she says. Being ready for highs and lows at all times is crucial to avoiding dangerous blood sugar dips.
2. Game-Changing Products for Blood Sugar Control
One of Bridget’s biggest diabetes management tools is Afrezza, an inhaled insulin that acts quickly to lower high blood sugars without causing severe lows. For hypoglycemia, she keeps glucose gel on hand, which has saved her life during severe lows when she couldn’t ingest food or liquid. She also recommends keeping a glucagon prescription available, whether it’s Baqsimi (nasal glucagon) or Gvoke (pre-filled injectable glucagon).
3. Keeping Devices Charged
Diabetes tech is a game-changer, but it’s useless if the battery dies. Bridget suggests keeping multiple charging cables in various locations and using external battery packs to avoid any emergencies. “Set alarms to check your devices—sometimes life gets busy, and we forget,” she advises.
The Role of Health Coaches in Diabetes Care
While Bridget isn’t a health coach herself, she strongly supports their role in diabetes management. A health coach acts as a motivator and guide between medical visits, helping people with diabetes set and achieve personal health goals. While insurance coverage is still a gray area, some Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may cover the costs, and many companies specialize in diabetes coaching.
Final Words of Encouragement
Diabetes is different for everyone, and Bridget encourages people to experiment with different strategies to see what works for them. “What works for me might not work for you, but you won’t know until you try,” she says. Her message is clear: diabetes management is about perseverance, adaptability, and preparation.
Where to Follow Bridget
Bridget shares valuable diabetes insights on social media. You can follow her here:
Instagram: @beingbridgetwood / @balancedwithbridgetwood
TikTok: @bridgetwoodwellness
LinkedIn: Bridget Wood
Bridget’s journey proves that a diabetes diagnosis, while challenging, can lead to a fulfilling career and a powerful way to help others. Her advice, energy, and expertise make her a valuable resource for anyone navigating life with diabetes.
Stay tuned for more expert interviews on the Direct Diabetes Podcast!