Positively Type 1: the Story Behind the Book
The following is an interview with Nick Kundrat - Holistic Diabetes Educator & Author of "Positively Type 1," adapted from https://diabetesed.net/blog/
In the realm of diabetes education, where deep struggles often cast shadows on hope, one holistic diabetes educator has embarked on a mission to illuminate a different path—a path that embraces positivity, resilience, and a profound understanding of living with Type 1 diabetes. Join us in this exclusive interview with Nick Kundrat—Holistic Diabetes Educator and author behind Positively Type 1—as we delve into a refreshingly simple and optimistic approach to diabetes care.
Nick Kundrat, a beacon of inspiration in the diabetes education community, didn’t arrive at this revolutionary approach by chance. It was forged through personal experiences, a deep empathy for those navigating the complexities of Type 1 diabetes, and a relentless belief in the transformative power of a positive mindset.
As we navigate the pages of Positively Type 1, we discover a manifesto for individuals with Type 1 diabetes seeking a brighter, more empowering point of view on their diabetes diagnosis. In this interview, Nick takes us behind the scenes, sharing insights, anecdotes, and strategies that have the potential to redefine how we approach holistic diabetes care.
Get ready to challenge preconceptions, embrace a holistic perspective, and embark on a journey that goes beyond traditional textbooks. Positively Type 1 isn’t just a book; it's a paradigm shift—a beacon guiding educators and individuals alike toward a positive, resilient, and fulfilling approach to Type 1 diabetes care.
What Inspired You to Write Positively Type 1?
My book writing journey actually began at a very young age when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At age 4, after becoming terribly sick, my parents and I were told to head to the emergency room. We expected to be checked in, seen by the doctor, then checked out with some antibiotics. But instead, a terrible nightmare ensued... Being diagnosed with an incurable, life-long chronic illness: Type 1 Diabetes.
Nick - Age 4
Growing up with a fantastic support system, the daily struggles of diabetes were outweighed by a very happy, healthy childhood filled with sports, school, activities, family, and friendships. Yet, I spent a lot of time with doctors and educators who helped me navigate my complex chronic condition.
Naturally, as an adult, I was led into the healthcare field, where I soon became the educator (instead of the educated). After spending countless hours around diabetes educators and endocrinologists as a patient, and countless hours on the other side of the coin, educating patients myself in hospitals and clinics, I arrived at a startling conclusion:
There is a lot of negativity in the diabetes space. A LOT.
When I (and nearly everyone else I know with Type 1 diabetes) was diagnosed, I was never given a pep talk or much hope. Instead, I was told things like:
"Your body is broken"
"Your pancreas doesn't work"
"Your body turned against you"
"You won’t be like other kids"
While there is some truth in these statements, telling a 4-year-old child these things can (and will) drastically shift their beliefs about their bodies and themselves.
As an educator, I noticed most practitioners approach Type 1 diabetes through a similar lens:
"Well, it's just something you have to manage"
"You'll be stuck with this forever"
There is some truth to that, but these statements lack a vital ingredient in the recipe for health and healing—hope.
If I’ve learned one thing as a diabetes patient and educator: Sometimes, all it takes to drastically change someone's life is a little dose of hope. This was the inspiration behind writing Positively Type 1.
Tell Us About the Book: What Can Readers Expect?
Positively Type 1: How Living with a Chronic Illness Can Be Your Most Powerful Motivator for an Extraordinary Life is a lighthearted guide to seeing your Type 1 diabetes diagnosis through a positive, optimistic lens.
Each chapter explains a different skill or character trait you develop while living with Type 1 diabetes. For example:
A person with Type 1 diabetes makes over 180 more decisions per day (between insulin dosing and carb counting) compared to someone without diabetes. Through this, we become incredible problem solvers.
With Type 1, you learn to be extremely tuned in to every little shift and change in your blood sugar levels. This builds incredible levels of self-awareness.
Having to endure countless needle sticks and finger pricks helps you cultivate a mental and physical toughness unlike any other group of people I've ever met.
And there are many more!
Plus, so you aren’t just hearing from me, I interviewed some amazing young Type 1 warriors whom I’ve worked with. You’ll hear inspiring voices from young adults who are doing an amazing job with their diabetes mindset and treatment.
Overall, it’s an easy, lighthearted, humor-filled read that will hopefully leave you smiling and filled with hope.
You Mentioned Being a Holistic Diabetes Educator—What Does That Mean?
Diabetes education typically includes topics related to diabetes treatment, such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle interventions. Yet, most diabetes education tends to focus solely on diabetes treatment. While this is an important piece, it’s really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a person’s overall health.
Your blood sugar balance is NOT just reliant on your insulin dosing and carb counting. Every other area of your life affects your diabetes—how you sleep, eat, think, rest, and move are the foundations of proper blood sugar control.
The holistic approach to diabetes education is exactly that: a people-first approach to diabetes care. It addresses the foundations of health (sleep, stress, nutrition, hydration, exercise, emotions) alongside traditional diabetes care.
In my wellness practice, I utilize various modalities to help my clients heal at a deeper level, starting with the foundations of health. For those looking for even more depth, I incorporate nutritional testing and manual therapy to help rebalance the body.
Nick working with a client
How Does Your Book Tie Into Holistic Diabetes Education?
As mentioned earlier, holistic diabetes education means looking at the whole person—not just their diabetes. This includes addressing parts of ourselves that cannot be seen, like emotions, psychology, stress, and spirituality.
Our beliefs are also crucial to our health. What we believe about our bodies and diabetes sets the stage for how we act in the world and approach diabetes care. If you believe, "My body is broken," you will likely struggle with your health. But if you believe, "My body is resilient, and I can grow through my struggles," you’ll make better choices and have a more positive experience managing your diabetes.
If we can shift beliefs, we can shift lives. That’s the goal of Positively Type 1.
Who Is Positively Type 1 For?
Positively Type 1 is for anyone living with Type 1 diabetes or those who love someone with Type 1. While it’s written for all ages, the interviews at the end of each chapter with young adults may particularly resonate with the preteen/teen audience.
In Conclusion…
As we wrap up our exploration of Positively Type 1 with Nick Kundrat, it's clear that the book is more than just words on paper—it’s a source of inspiration for both educators and individuals living with Type 1 diabetes.
The insights shared today emphasize the power of a positive mindset and a holistic approach. Whether you're a seasoned educator or someone navigating life with Type 1 diabetes, the message is clear: positivity, understanding, and resilience pave the way for a brighter future.
Thank you, Nick, for guiding us on this empowering path. May Positively Type 1 continue to inspire positive change in the diabetes community.
