The Brightside: Type1Talk Podcast
SALISBURY, Md. – A Salisbury teen who has lived the majority of her life with type 1 diabetes, made a safe space for others struggling with the same disease…A podcast, dedicated to connecting teens from all over the world with the same condition, and educating others.
When Henna Parmer was just six years old, she was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes. “From my earliest memories, I just remember this was always how it was,” says Parmer. “It’s much easier to get used to living with a chronic illness when you’re younger and getting into the routines.”
Years later, however, she says she’s learned to live with it and looked at her diagnosis as a way to learn more about it, and in turn advocate for others struggling too. “Being diagnosed at a young age gave me an interest in medicine and it gave me access to something bigger than myself.” Parmer adds,” Type 1 diabetes is a very challenging disease, and I just wanted to get some different voices and opinions on how they manage it.”
As a long-time Girl Scout, the project was the perfect opportunity to work towards her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts, and that’s how Type 1 Talk was born. “I got people from like all over the country and some even from around the world to come in and talk about their experiences and you could see how it was different across regions or how they all dealt with it differently or even how they were diagnosed differently,” says Parmer.
According to Parmer’s research, many type 1 diabetics battle depression, which can lead to poor diabetes management or feelings of social isolation. So the podcast allows those with the disease to share insights about managing their condition, and their mental health, and overall creates a safe space. “Having a disease like this, at times can be exhausting and it’s nice just to have another voice that tells you it’s okay not to be 100% all the time,” she says.
Those participating in the podcast were able to discuss diagnoses, coping and adjusting to living with a chronic condition, school and sports adjustments, highs and lows, misconceptions, and their futures. The whole experience, Parmer says created a new outlook on life for her. “I had to become more assertive, step up a little bit more in a leadership role, and come out of my shell a little bit.” Parmer adds, “I think it gives me much more of a comprehensive point of view for type 1 diabetes, and the different perspectives someone can have with it.”
The project won the Bennett High School alum the Girl Scouts National Scholarship for exceptional Gold Award project, but Parmer, says she just enjoys being able to help others in some way who are just like her. She adds, “Just take it one step at a time, there are lots of resources out there to help you manage it and learn about it and it’s going to be okay.”
While Parmer just started her college career, her hope to create a safe space for those with type 1 diabetes continues. She tells us, whether through a podcast or other means, that she wants to continue advocating and providing resources for young teens battling the disease.
