In this episode of T1D Stories, Adrian Gonzalez speaks with Julianne O’Connell, a clinical trial specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and vice chair of events for the Breakthrough T1D Young Leadership Committee in Greater New England. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 14 months old, Julianne shares what it was like growing up with T1D, how her approach to diabetes technology has changed over time, the mental health challenges of living with a chronic disease, and why finding community through Breakthrough T1D has been so meaningful. She also reflects on running the Boston Marathon for Breakthrough T1D — 26.2 miles on the 26-year, 2-month anniversary of her diagnosis.
A Meaningful Moment from the Episode
Julianne spoke openly about the mental burden of living with type 1 diabetes — the constant planning, backup supplies, blood sugar checks, and “what if” scenarios that become part of everyday life. But she also emphasized that diabetes does not define who you are:
“You are a person living with diabetes. You are not just a diabetic. I was an athlete. I’m a sister. I’m a daughter. I’m a friend. You have all these other qualities and things that you are, and you have to keep reminding yourself of that — that you are not just your disease.”
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