PrintKerri Sparling Bio
Kerri Sparling has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1986, diagnosed just before she started second grade. She manages her diabetes and lives her life by the mantra "Diabetes doesn't define me, but it helps explain me."
Kerri is the creator and author of www.SixUntilMe.com, one of the first and most widely-read diabetes patient blogs. Started in May 2005, Six Until Me has a strong and loyal readership who have followed Kerri on her journey with diabetes through her wedding, the birth of her daughter, and all the other aspects of "real life" with diabtes. She has contributed to many diabetes-related websites and publications, and is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness. Well-versed in social media and its influence on patients, Kerri presents regularly at social healrh conferences and currently works full-time as a freelance writer and social media consultant.
Kerri lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their daughter.
Read Kerri's columns:
Define "Forbidden"
Food choice flexibility often depends on the individual.
Accidental Basal Tests
Taking advantage of mistakes and making diabetes management more convenient.
Learning Curve
Diabetes devices and TSA pat-downs.
The Sound of Silence
Finding comfort in the soundtrack of my diabetes.
Keeps Me Calm
Finding comfort in testing my blood sugar.
Fake It 'Til You Make It
Taking a mind-over-matter approach to diabetes management.
Expanding the Family
I love being a mom, but don't plan on having more children.
My Diabetes Halloween Costume
What would it look like?
The Buddy System
Looking back on going to school with diabetes.
The Outpouring
We're all in this together.
Loosen Up Once in a While
Taking a vacation from my diabetes management.
Information, Not Evaluations
Breaking through blood sugar testing results.
Protecting As Best I Can
A mother longs to keep type 1 diabetes all to herself.
Driving with Diabetes
It's all different with the baby on board.
Diabetes Apathy
Juggling new motherhood with diabetes burnout.
My Diabetes Team
Good self care is about more than doctors.
A Diabetic Birth
Every moment of my pregnancy was worrisome, but worth it.
Diabetes Plus One
What if you're dealing with multiple health conditions?
Ch-Ch-Changes!
Every day in a pregnancy with diabetes brings on something new.
Pregnant!
After years of hope and hard work, there's a baby on board.
CGM: Cat Glucose Monitor?
Can feline friends sniff out nocturnal hypoglycemia?
The Benefits of Benefits
Diabetes and the medical insurance battlefield.
Handling the Holidays
As we celebrate the season, we work to have our holidays healthy.
Get Involved!
It's Diabetes Awareness Month, and there's no better time to make a difference.
Fashionable Pumping
When you want to keep it concealed, there are ways to do it.
Take a Hike
Bringing diabetes into the wilds of the woods!
Getting Body Ready for Baby
Starting the journey towards tight control for myself and my future child.
Thankful for the Bubble
Coming to the understanding that not everyone understands.
Honeymoonin'
A crash course on taking diabetes on my honeymoon.
My Big, Healthy Diabetes Wedding
Saying "I do" to accepting diabetes as part of my big day.
Passing the Torch
Shifting the burden of care from the parent to the child.
Stress Spin Cycle
The balance of close monitoring and acceptance.
Fit to be Tied
Overcoming the frustrations of diabetes and exercise.
CGM: Polaroid to Streaming Video
Making sense of the "real time" revolution.
Moments of Weakness
Navigating the challenges of the holiday season.
For No Reason
Waiting for the storm to pass and to regain the comfort of control.
When Technology Fails
Making sure you're ready to go back to basics when emergency strikes.
Bite-Sized Diabetes
Whittling disease management down to a manageable size.
A Pump Vacation
A white-water rafting adventure without wires.
In the Heat of the Moment
Making my insulin pump, and my summer wardrobe, live in harmony.
Kangaroo Kerri
Being prepared means packing heavily.
Gentle Disclosure
To tell, or not to tell? That is the question.
Diabetes Report Cards
Quest to pass A1C test too often resulting in emotional standstill.
Love Me, Love my Diabetes
Making diabetes part of the big picture.
Resolving to be Resolute
Taking stock of the things that need to be changed, and figuring out how to change them.
Santa's Pause
All I want for Christmas are my islet cells.
Giving Thanks
In efforts to achieve good control, there are so many people to thank.
More Than Candy and Costumes
A Halloween moment for a child with diabetes.
The Changing Face of Diabetes
Acknowledging twenty years with type one diabetes.
College-Bound Kerri
Transitioning myself and my diabetes successfully to college.
My Life In Cardboard Boxes
When life's stress takes its toll on my diabetes management.
Diabetes Can be a Day at the Beach
Integrating your pump into the summer season.
One Part Diabetes, Two Parts Planning
The blend of drinking and diabetes.
Interview with a Diabetic
When blood sugar should be the business of your boss.
Bad Signs of Good Habits
Proper diabetes management may require sharpening of disposal skills.
I Pump, Not iPod
Traveling safely with diabetes.
Running on Empty
Avoiding a low while behind the wheel.
Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.
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