"One Mind, One Body, One Chance"
Diabetic Health Coach, Lauren Bongiorno, developed 3-month reflection journal to provide people with Type 1 diabetes with organization, structure, routine, and control.
Former division 1 college athlete turned yogi, Lauren Bongiorno is a Diabetic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor, Published Author, and Wellness Speaker. With the commitment to a holistic approach to health, Lauren educates, supports, and guides type 1 diabetics all around the globe in taking control of their diabetes by developing healthful habits and mindsets. Over the past two years, Lauren has become a voice in the diabetic community via her Instagram page, @Lauren_bongiorno, where she's amassed more than 22k engaged followers. She is an exclusive influencer for Nike, on the global ambassador council for Beyond Type 1, and is the author of the Diabetic Health Journal. Lauren has had Type 1 diabetes for 17 years and through her experiences working with fellow T1Ds, she developed the concept of the Diabetic Health Journal, providing a mindful strategy to improve diabetes management physically, mentally, and emotionally and give the support and guidance needed in between the 3-month endocrinologist checkup. CDF was lucky enough to chat with Lauren about her personal journey with T1D and the Diabetic Health Journal.
What inspired you to create the Diabetic Health Journal?
As a Type 1 diabetic of 17 years and Diabetic Health Coach, I realized guidance, support, and accountability that emphasized a mindful approach to health was the key for optimal diabetes management. For years I've been giving my clients the tools found in the Diabetic Health Journal (tools that improved my own relationship with diabetes, energy, and overall happiness significantly as well) and many of them not only hit, but surpass their goals. Whether it's increasing their insulin sensitivity, lowering their A1C, weight loss, anxiety, or reducing their fears around diabetes or food, from day 1 to the last day of the program they are a completely different person. My clients were actually the ones who inspired me to create the journal! Time and time again they would say, "Lauren the blood sugar logs and reflection sheets you give are so helpful but I wish they were in some kind of bound book!".
What is the Diabetic Health Journal and how will it help those living with diabetes?
The Diabetic Health Journal is an easy to use, action- oriented, convenient 3- month reflection journal that provides Type 1 Diabetic with organization, structure, routine, and most importantly, control. This journal is an effective and mindful strategy to improve diabetes management physically, mentally, and emotionally and give the support and guidance needed in between the 3-month endocrinologist checkup. It is designed in a way that forces you to slow down, become more mindful about every day decisions, and reflect on what's working and what needs to change.
The benefits T1D's see while using this journal are: improved A1C, more predictable blood sugar numbers, empowered mindset, increased mood and energy levels, insight into daily habits, a morning and evening routine, and weight loss/ increased insulin sensitivity.
What has been a game changer for you in how you manage your diabetes?
I think for many years I was very much reactive with how I managed my diabetes. If I was low, I'd quickly take juice to get back up and move on with my day. If I was high, I would dose and get down as quickly as possible. I'd go to the endocrinologist every 3 months, check my A1C, set a goal of lowering it for next time, maybe tweak some pump settings, and then be on my way. What I never did, which ultimately was the greatest game changer, was slow down in between appointments and reflect on my own. I never looked closely enough to recognize patterns and find out what habits throughout the day best served me- mind, body, & soul.
What piece of advice would you give to young athletes with Type 1 diabetes?
My advice would be to know your worth. Don't seek validation from others. Don't depend on a coach to tell you that you are good enough. Know in your heart that regardless of diabetes or what you do or do not accomplish, you are. Mindset first, the body will follow.
To connect with Lauren, visit her site at www.laurenbongiorno.com. You can order your own Diabetic Health Journal at www.diabetichealthjournal.com.
#myDHJ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabetichealthjournal/
Originally Published on January 1, 2018
Updated January 22, 2021
