In this episode of T1D Stories, Adrian Gonzalez speaks with Monica Gonzalez, co-founder of A1 Real Estate Solutions and an instructor of architectural design at Boston Architectural College. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 24 while living and working in Caracas, Venezuela, Monica shares how her diagnosis changed her life, how she has managed T1D through insulin therapy, pumps, CGMs, pregnancy, motherhood, running, and family life, and why she is passionate about raising awareness. Monica also reflects on the lessons T1D has taught her — including discipline, resilience, teamwork, and kindness toward herself and others.
A Meaningful Moment from the Episode
Monica spoke about how living with type 1 diabetes has shaped not only the way she cares for herself, but also the way she sees other people. For her, T1D has been a daily lesson in empathy, resilience, and kindness:
“I think it’s an opportunity to be kind to yourself and then learn how to be kind to other people that may have other diseases or are not feeling well. Because sometimes we don’t feel well during the day. You can feel good, bad, and then you learn that maybe someone who is not feeling well is acting a little bit weird. So you start thinking, maybe he’s not feeling well the same way I wasn’t feeling well a few hours ago.”
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