The Doctor Weighs In

by Pat Salber

A number of months ago, I wrote about a contest, Inspired by Diabetes, being sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and Eli Lilly and Company. The idea was that people living with or touched by diabetes would share their experiences via art.

And, the US Grand Prize winners are:

Health Professional Category: Theresa Garnero, a San Francisco nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) who loves to draw - cartoons! Her "Pin the Pancreas on the Piggy" is a tool she uses with her clients, young children with diabetes. Her use of a pig is a reminder that prior to recombinant technology, pigs were a major source of insulin used to treat insulin-requiring diabetics.

“As a certified diabetes educator, I continue to witness the impact diabetes has on the people living with it, their families and global health,” Garnero said in her accompanying narrative. “I am continually inspired to provide humorous, educational resources that unite the individual, the family and our international professional community using positive and visually fun ideas.”

Adult with Diabetes Category: Betsy Ray,of Colorado, who has been
managing her diabetes for 43 years. She is currently working on a master’s degree in psychology to serve as a resource to newly-diagnosed children with diabetes. Her winning essay is called “The Journey.” Hopefully, it will eventually be posted on the Inspired by Diabetes website.

Child with Diabetes Category: Erin Tetreault of Idaho. Tetreault, 17, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. Inspired by her experiences at diabetes summer camp – where she first learned about the Inspired by Diabetes campaign – Tetreault hopes that more young people with diabetes can benefit from the emotional and educational support that these specialty camps provide. Her painting, “Self-Acceptance,” depicts a young woman wearing an insulin pump.

“Four years ago I would have been too self-conscious to paint my bare stomach with my pump proudly displayed,” she wrote in her accompanying narrative. But because of diabetes camp, “I’ve learned to be myself and not worry if I’m different or not accepted.”

Family Member or Friend Category: Teresa Ollila, Colorado. Ollila is a mother of two and an avid photographer. Inspired by her son’s diabetes diagnosis at age 3, she took an interest in capturing the complexity of living with diabetes by photographing others with the condition in her community. Ollila’s collection of photographs, titled “Living with Diabetes,” reveals the emotional impact of diabetes on people’s lives.

U.S. Grand Prize winners will have their submissions entered into the global competition. Winners of the global contest will be announced this fall.

The Inspired by Diabetes Creative Expression Competition will begin accepting entries again this summer. To learn more about Inspired by Diabetes and how to enter the competition, please visit: inspiredbydiabetes.com.