In this episode of T1D Stories, Adrian Gonzalez speaks with Martijn Graat, founder of LogisticsMatter, host of the Does Logistics Matter? podcast, teacher, musician, athlete, husband, and father of twins. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 23, Martijn reflects on the shock of his diagnosis, the anger he struggled with for years, and how therapy, exercise, healthier habits, and advances in technology helped change his outlook. Drawing on his supply chain expertise, he also discusses the importance of reliable access to insulin and medical supplies during major disruptions. Looking ahead, Martijn shares his hope for a cure and continued advances in technology that reduce the daily burden of living with T1D.
A Meaningful Moment from the Episode
When Martijn was diagnosed, he remembers feeling two conflicting emotions: fear that his whole world was crashing down and determination not to let diabetes control his life. That determination surfaced immediately when he insisted on giving himself his first insulin injection and learning how to manage it on his own.
“Part of me was like, ‘Okay, let’s go. I’m going to crush this. This is not going to get me.’”