#78: Dr. Clayton McCook | Diabetes Doesn’t Care Who You Voted For

By Amber Clour on Jan 28, 2020

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (121.7MB)

Dr. Clayton McCook is back and shares what’s new in his diabetes advocacy game. He’s not pointing fingers, but using his voice and grassroots efforts to make a difference. Everyone has a voice and he uses his kind demeanor to help others find theirs. Not only does he share tech advancements and grassroots efforts, he entertains my ridiculous questions about diabetes management for pets.

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2019 Year In Review: Diabetes Advocacy Domination & Discoveries

By Amber Clour on Jan 22, 2020

As my Diaversary soon approaches, I take time to sit in silence and reflect on what I’ve learned, more specifically, in my diabetes world. New technology & pump therapies, apps, partnerships, #insulin4all campaigns, etc. have me a bit exhausted, but hopeful for the future. Below are a few 2019 highlights I would like to share.

Podcasts Released: 18 episodes found on various podcast platforms and HERE on the DDG podcast page.
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#15: LIVE from the Connect+Cure Gala | Asking The Questions We’ve Always Wanted To Ask To People Who Actually Know The Answers

By The Grind on Feb 5, 2016

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (40.1MB)

In the midst of a VIP cocktail hour LIVE from the Connect+Cure Gala in Oklahoma City, leaders on the diabetes research and treatment frontier were kind enough to converse with us. We didn’t focus on run of the mill research questions. We got to the heart of their individual diabetes motivations. We covered the importance of a physician’s own A1C, the equal importance of cowboy boots, favorite Toby Keith (he played a full concert that night) songs, and why both Amber and Ryan haven’t been dropped as patients for non-compliance… yet. As the night’s feature ceremony, the Hamm Prize–$250,000 for research advances toward a cure–was awarded to Dr. Ronald Kahn, and he joined us to share his enlightening perspectives (that’s not hyperbole, it’s truth).

After we wrapped up our interviews, we were honored to join 900+ people who support the Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center’s (HHODC) future and groundbreaking strides toward eradicating diabetes. As Oklahomans, where 1 out of every 3 people is affected by diabetes, it was a meaningful night filled with promise. We are so grateful for the opportunity provided by the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and appreciative of our guests to supply insights for all of us with diabetes. Thank you everyone! (more…)

Tuesday Topic: The Pros & Cons Of Being A T1D Mentor

By Amber Clour on May 26, 2015

The DDG was contacted by a wonderful woman from the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center about a pilot camp rolling out this summer. We jumped on the opportunity to meet with Heather to learn more and offer our help, should she want it. As the conversation progressed, she said they were looking for a few T1D camp counselors. In years past I volunteered at a leadership camp for high school seniors. I felt confident in my ability to lead the youngsters and still be 100% myself – but would I be able to do the same for a group of T1Ds?

This thought inspired me to weigh a few pros & cons that came to mind.

PROS:

I have 31 years under my belt and plenty of stories to share.
A1C is 6.3 (Not bragging, just proud of my hard work)

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Take That Diabetes – Today I Win

By Amber Clour on Mar 16, 2015

I’m stoked to share my recent visit to the endocrinologist. In earlier years this dreaded trip brought on a week or so of anxiety… Would he know I lied about my blood sugar? Could he tell that I drank a wine cooler a few weeks ago? Will they have to take blood? He is the window into my diabetes life and I was terrified as to what he could reveal. That might sound silly, but having diabetes since age 8 adds a LOT of other layers to the growing up process.

I no longer stress about this biannual visit, in fact, I kind of enjoy it. I work hard every single day to feel good and my numbers hopefully reflect my actions.

The visit starts with a super sweet nurse who allows me to prick my own finger. YAY ME! Having someone else prick my finger seems to be WAY more painful (control issues?). (more…)