Learn How to Become
an Effective Advocate
Be Your Own Best Advocate
Living with diabetes can be overwhelming. Getting affordable access to the treatment of your choice should not be an additional barrier. Learn how to become an effective advocate so that you can gain access to the treatment that you and your healthcare professional determine to be best suited for you or your loved one’s health and lifestyle.
What does it mean to be an advocate?
We can all be advocates for those living with diabetes. With each of us dedicated to advocating for access to the latest medical advances and cutting-edge technologies, the best possible care and treatment can become a reality.
Better navigate the healthcare system
Find support from the community
Learn what questions to ask
Find the best care possible
Make Your Voice Heard
No one knows your story better than you. Every person living with diabetes has a unique point of view and each opinion sheds new light on a universal problem. Share your journey – the struggles, the challenges, the issues – not just for your own care, but for the future care of others living with diabetes.
Sharing their story
Maddie Walding
Maddie was diagnosed with diabetes at thirteen years old. As she transitioned from young-adult to college student, the challenges of living a life with diabetes changed. Her advice for students is to start taking on the role of advocating for yourself now, so that when the time comes you are prepared for living with diabetes as an adult.
Navigating the Appeals Process
Getting the best care should not be dictated by pricey claims and coverage refusal. You have the right to appeal your health insurer’s decision. We’ll show you how.
Kyle Banks
Founder & CEO, Kyler R Cares, a non-profit dedicated to providing life-saving
medical devices for children and adults living with Type 1 Diabetes.
“For people living with T1D, access to improved diabetic technology is imperative for accurate and optimal glucose control. Advocacy for Access teaches people to advocate for the tools they need – a crucial component to successfully managing their disease.”
Anna Norton
MS CEO, DiabetesSisters
“All people living with chronic illness benefit by better understanding the intricacies involved, and these helpful guides will hopefully alleviate any stress related to the technical side of devices.”
Bob Parant
“I have been living with Type 1 diabetes, a silent, chronic disease, for 47 years. I feel it is my absolute responsibility to speak up on the injustices and inequities I have experienced in our healthcare system. Your story and voice can and must be heard to create positive change and shape the future for people with diabetes”
Erin Bubb
“I advocate for my son who has T1D for 4 years. We advocate for him since he is currently too young to self-advocate related to important issues. One way we advocate is to educate insurance companies on the value of technology to ensure he has affordable access to the devices best for him. This site will educate you on how to advocate and I encourage you to raise your voice and speak up related to issues important to your family. I am no one special. I do not have 5 degrees after my name. I am just a mom who wants the best lifestyle for my son living with diabetes without the complications, the headaches, the restless nights. Please join me in advocating for you and your loved ones. Together we can make a difference for our children.”
Todd Boudreaux
Editorial Manager, Beyond Type 1
"For people living with diabetes, access to the treatment options of your choice at a reasonable cost is non-negotiable. If you can’t get the technology or medication you need, make noise, seek help from resources like Beyond Type 1, and don’t ever give up."
Take Action
Advocate for the change you want to see, for yourself and for future individuals living with diabetes. A few steps can create positive change for affordable access.
