|
My Story... "Sweet" 16
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on March 7th, 1991 during my sophomore year in high school. I was lost. I had no idea what I was doing, I just did what the doctor and nurse told me to do-test my blood sugars, take my injections and watch my diet. My mother and father were just as clueless as I was. I read a lot of books, asked a lot of questions, however never made a connection with someone my age that shared this disease. I felt alone. After I realized the impact of diabetes and importance of education, I pursued a career in nutrition, specializing in diabetes education. I have a passion for helping people manage their diabetes by providing the most current diabetes resources, up- to-date information, personal experiences and support. Dave Adrieansen Senior at Andrew High School
Away at College
Caroline and Dave Eastern Illinois University I think of having diabetes as a blessing. You always hear about the negative when it comes to diabetes. I have never felt ashamed or embarrassed about having diabetes; I just feel that it is a part of me; it has made me who I am today. I went to college because of diabetes and met a lot of great people that are an important part of my life today, personally and professionally, including my wife, who is also a registered dietitian. I have an awesome job, educating and helping people live and deal with diabetes. I am able to feel good at the end of everyday knowing of all the families I helped.
My Career
Dave Adrieansen and Sharon Stood at The Diabetes Connection I have always had a passion to help children with diabetes deal with this disease and get the best education possible. With The Diabetes Connection, the kids know they are not going through this alone.
I have now been the Diabetes Clinical Consultant for Medtronic MiniMed since September 2005 and have continued my commitment to all of the families involved in this support group. This support group has grown significantly over the past few years and I want to thank everyone who has provided me with support for this group as it takes a lot of work and commitment. At this time, I am working towards developing The Diabetes Connection as a non-for-profit organization.
Dave and Monica Joyce at basketball camp Thank you,
Dave Adrieansen MS, RD, CDE
|
|
This was an exciting time in my life. Along with the start of college, I took on a new challenge that made life much easier, insulin pump therapy. I didn’t know much about pumps. I did my homework and decided to choose the pump recommended by the certified diabetes educator I was working with because of outstanding quality, Minimed. That was 1997 and one of the best decisions I ever made. I am still a happy “pumper” to this day.
I have been a registered dietitian and diabetes educator since 2001. I worked briefly as an intern at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet before starting my career at St. James Center for Diabetes. There, I was an educator, pump trainer and research coordinator. I also volunteer my time working as medical staff for various diabetes camps. With the help of Sharon Stood, office manager at St. James Diabetes Center, I began The Diabetes Connection in 2003. 