This episode is supported by Thrivable. Thrivable’s mission is to create a better future together. They achieve this by making it easy for healthcare companies to include the patient's voice in their decisions so they can create transformative treatments and products for you.  And for listeners of Diabetics Doing Things, Thrivable has multiple opportunities for you to earn money for sharing your story, your insights and your lived experience for companies who produce and design products for people with diabetes. You can participate in online surveys and earn up to $75 per hour and join in-person studies to earn up to $800 per study. To sign up, just go to thrivable.app/rob and create a profile. It only takes a few minutes. Then, just wait for study invitations, participate in a paid diabetes research study and get compensated for your time. ————— In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob, Eritrea, and guest Santiago Paulos share their experiences and stories about living with diabetes from different perspectives. Santiago talks about his journey of being diagnosed with diabetes, his work in the diabetes community, and his recent experience of becoming a new dad. Their conversation delves into topics like encountering the diabetes stigma, using humor to navigate diabetes challenges, and balancing life as a new parent with diabetes. This episode also includes the opening of the Mailbag! If you want to submit your question, email mailbag@diabeticsdoingthings.com. Topics discussed: 1. Meeting Santiago and their initial interaction at a diabetes conference in Abu Dhabi. 2. Santiago's diabetes diagnosis story and how he was diagnosed during a road trip to Argentina. 3. Santiago's journey in creating the persona of The Diabetic Survivor and his background in art and design. 4. Collaborations with organizations like T1International and creating designs for diabetes awareness campaigns. 5. Exploring the intersection of art, design, and diabetes advocacy. 6. Addressing the diabetes stigma, challenges faced in public settings, and the importance of communication in relationships. 7. Santiago's experience as a new dad with type 1 diabetes, the impact of diabetes management on parenting, and finding a balance in routine. 8. Using humor and the "diabetes card" to navigate diabetes-related situations and advocating for self-care in relationships. Key takeaways: * Navigating the diabetes stigma: Santiago shared experiences of encountering the diabetes stigma, particularly through jokes and comments made in social settings, highlighting the importance of addressing and standing up against such behavior. * Balancing diabetes management with parenting: Santiago's journey as a new dad with diabetes showcases the challenges and adjustments required to manage diabetes effectively while caring for a newborn, emphasizing the need for open communication and support. * Using humor and communication: Humor can be a coping mechanism in dealing with diabetes challenges, and effective communication, both in personal relationships and professional settings, plays a significant role in raising awareness and advocating for diabetes rights. * Awareness and cultural considerations: Being mindful of cultural differences and digital literacy challenges can help in creating inclusive content and messaging that resonates with diverse audiences, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment for people with diabetes. 00:00  Exciting Opportunities for People with Diabetes to Earn Money and Inspiring Stories from International Guests on Diabetics Doing Things Podcast 03:31  Unveiling a Multicultural Friendship and a Diabetic Survivor's Journey 06:34  From Scooter Crash to Diabetic Survivor: A Unique Diagnosis Story and Artistic Journey 16:34  Exploring the Intersection of Diabetes, Art, and Community through Design and Advocacy 26:34  Navigating the Complexities of Working with Diabetes and Stigma in the Industry 36:34  Navigating Age-Related Content Preferences in a Diverse Audience 37:13  Breaking the Stigma: Navigating Diabetes Conversations and Digital Literacy 41:06  Navigating Parenthood and Diabetes: Santiago's Journey 45:57  Diabetic Dads' Secrets and Challenges: A Candid Conversation on Balancing Parenthood and Diabetes 49:40  Inspiring Conversation with a Diabetes Dad