This conversation with Mary Van Doorn covers her  journey from her initial type 2 diabetes diagnosis to becoming a leader among type 2 diabetes patients, a fitness instructor, and an inspiration for thousands of diabetic women who find support in her social media and fitness groups. We discuss taking control of your care, overcoming obstacles, managing friends and family who aren’t ready for the change you want to make, and living a richer life with healthier habits. We also talk about falling down and getting back up, and the non-linear journey to a healthier lifestyle. Mary discusses how diabetes affects every part of a patient’s life, how to partner with your doctor, and how she still faces daily challenges even in her experienced leadership position. 

Mary Van Doorn is a fitness instructor, type 2 diabetic, and the founder of Sugar Mama Strong, an online diabetes support community for women. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and children. Visit her website at SugarMamaStrong.com.

(This episode is sponsored by Healthenly.org, a free community for conversation and collaboration on health issues -- where you can find help or help others -- with ad music by Hallelujah the Hills.)