Most of the rationale for this document and website is outlined in the Welcome and Summary chapters.

This page is to cover a bit more detail and context for those who may feel that this manifesto doesn’t relate well to their circumstances, does not cover a topic properly, or similar matters.

First, let me stipulate that this is a digital document, and thusly has the right to evolve and improve over time, based on feedback and new information.

Next, while I try very hard not to let my biases impact my analysis and strategies, it’s nearly impossible to do so. With this in mind, allow me to outline some foundational facts about myself that may introduce bias, which could impact, enhance, or limit this manifesto’s applicability for you and others:

• I am an adult white male living in America.
• I have full-time employment, with full healthcare insurance.
• At the time of writing this document, I was in the “Type 2” phase of LADA/Type 1 Diabetes (and still am).
• I have no food allergies.

These foundational facts certainly play a role in me feeling empowered in a variety of ways, which, arguably, makes it far easier for me to become a Type A Diabetic than others who may not share my specific situation.

I wrote this document as a manifesto (vs. a FAQ) because I wanted its tone and voice to be authentically mine. It comes from my perspective alone. This has a real impact on how my assertions may line up with others’ perspectives:

• Just because I think the culture of diabetes is a huge problem and encourages victimization, that doesn’t mean I’m right, or that you have to agree with it.
• Just because I think a Type A Diabetic should aim for an A1c under 5.7% doesn’t mean you have to. If you or a loved one has no beta or alpha cell activity, and cannot bear to adhere to (or afford) a very low-carb diet, perhaps being at A1c 7% is a wonderful compromise. I would applaud this if that’s the goal. Just be aware that at this level, there’s a higher chance (not a guarantee!) of long-term complications, with all the unpleasantries and costs that come with them.
• Just because I think everyone with an insulin disorder should become a Type A Diabetic like me doesn’t mean they can or have to; nor does that mean they are lesser people. We each determine our own paths; we each have our own set of values and situational realities that guide our decisions.
• Just because I have been exposed to underwhelming medical community interactions (primarily through friends and family’s stories) doesn’t mean that there aren’t phenomenal people and teams out there in the medical community who do a whole lot of good to help advance understanding and patient health. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few myself in my own journey! But we’re not at 100%, and we never will be. Those who are getting sub-optimal care and advice from the medical community deserve to know that’s what they’re getting, and my aim is to arm these people with new and better information than what they’re currently getting.

Ultimately, what I’m trying to do here is introduce a novel way of thinking about diabetes, attract interest in this way of thinking, and positively impact people’s lives by getting some or all of these ideas broadly adopted by patients and the medical community alike.  Modest goals, I know.

If I’m ever going to achieve these goals, I need to encourage discussion and debate. This is why I’ve created a Type A Diabetic Facebook Page where people can discuss and share thoughts and ideas around the topics put forward in this document. I look forward to the discussions!