Recording artist Nick Jonas, 26, formerly part of teen sensation The Jonas Brothers, has become a serious solo performer in his own right. His singing, acting and touring career has taken off, all while he has successfully managed his Type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at 13 while on tour, he quickly adopted a positive attitude and commitment to managing his disease and not letting it derail the pursuit of his dreams. Six years ago, Nick started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). He has also partnered with Dexcom, Inc., a maker of CGM technology, to raise awareness of the benefits of CGMs. In addition, Nick is a co-founder of BEYOND TYPE 1, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the conversation around diabetes. BEYOND TYPE 1 aims to be provocative, inclusive and disruptive, building a community to combat an isolating and confusing disease and help eradicate the stigma of living with a chronic illness. BEYOND TYPE 1 plans collaborations, special events and use of technology and social media to educate, raise awareness and raise funds for research to find a cure.
Nick reportedly commented about his CONTOUR meter: "I check my blood sugar level up to 12 times a day so it's very important that my meter fits with my lifestyle. My new Bayer CONTOURĀ® meter lets me personalize the settings when I need to test myself before a meal or reminds me to check after a meal depending on my schedule on a specific day. "
NJ: I try to stay one step ahead, knowing where I'm going, having all of the supplies I need. It's a daily struggle, it's not all figured out. It requires attention. DSM: As your career evolves, how do you see your diabetes advocacy evolving? NJ: Creatively, it's the ability to know I'm OK and to be able to live with something and be better. I'm being transparent from a new angle, sharing the tools that have helped me. Advocacy drives me, being able to help other people and building a community to talk about it. DSM: Has having diabetes made you stronger? NJ: Definitely, it has made me incredibly strong as a person and has been a big contributor to my character. DSM: What are the benefits of using a CGM? NJ: I started using Dexcom CGM because I needed more information, more numbers. Because of my very unpredictable life, it eliminated having to stress about my diabetes. The Dexcom CGM is a huge step forward. It has a small sensor I insert just below my stomach. It gives me readings every five minutes, 24 hours a day.
Nick Jonas is a hit singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. He's also one of the approximately 1. 25 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. Jonas, now 24, was diagnosed at age 13 and has emerged as a leading voice in raising awareness about the disease. In 2015, he helped found Beyond Type 1, a philanthropy that aims to empower people with type 1 diabetes "to both live well today and to fund a better tomorrow. " NIH MedlinePlus magazine interviewed him about his experience with type 1 diabetes and his message for others with the disease. Would you share the circumstances of your type 1 diabetes diagnosis? What were your initial thoughts? My thoughts when I was diagnosed were real concern for my future, first of all as a performer, and also not knowing anything about the disease. I think I was initially just thinking that it was going to limit my ability to follow my dreams. How do you manage your type 1 diabetes? Do you use an insulin pump? I use an insulin pump to help manage my diabetes, check my blood sugar frequently, and do my best to get to know my body and get to feel out if I am high or low.
Having a CGM is like having a best friend who always looks out for you. DSM: How do you avoid the CGM's alarm going off while performing? NJ: I take all necessary precautions, including having juice on stage, and my band's aware of my diabetes. DSM: What would you tell young people who might feel self-conscious about wearing a device that could prevent them from wearing certain clothing, etc.? NJ: A pump or a CGM might intrude on your life, on the clothes you want to wear, but you can always get creative and find a way to go about wearing it that's comfortable for your lifestyle. Knowing where you're headed as far as your numbers go is way better than any fashion statement. DSM: What is your advice to loved ones who want to support a family member with diabetes? NJ: The best way to support your loved one is to ask them how they would like you to support them. They may want space, or they may want you to be very involved. It's incredibly personal. DSM: And your message to kids who have just been diagnosed?
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It's tough, because it is such an unpredictable disease from day to day. Even when you think you have a really solid grip on how to manage it, there are times that your body just does what it wants. So be patient and don't get frustrated. Image credit: Island Records April 24, 2017