ADA

Champion Corner

Happy, smiling, clapping group of ethnically diverse people

Eye Health

We Believe in Champions

Living with diabetes puts you at a higher risk for developing diabetic eye disease, such as diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and more. But having eye disease or diabetes, doesn’t define you. We’re defined by our choices—our choice to choose our own health and the choice to provide guidance to those whose health journey has just begun.

Our champions have made that choice, and they do so every day. While championing their own health, they champion the health of others through their inspirational stories of learning to thrive despite their circumstances.

Meet our champions and read their stories to get inspired to make a positive change to your health today!

Kevin in orange shirt

Kevin

"The first doctor I went to thought that I might have detached my retina and referred me to a retina specialist. Then, after going through a slew of tests, the retina specialist told me that I had diabetic retinopathy. I thought in that moment, 'I’m 39 years old, aren’t I too young to have diabetic retinopathy?' Apparently not."

Tiffani

"At the age of 27, I completely lost my vision, was diagnosed with stage four renal failure and temporarily lost mobility due to complications of poor management."

Randall Barker

“2021 marks 30 years of living with diabetes. When I was diagnosed at 10 years old, it was such a different time and I didn’t have the same tools that others so readily have available today."

Roger Hare

“I also attribute my success to surrounding myself with people who are cheerleaders and hold me accountable. I think it’s important to talk with people who can help. You can’t do this on your own. I’m involved with the American Diabetes Association as an Healthy Eye Ambassador.”

Patricia Welter

“For the last 17 years, I have been without one eye. I wear a prosthetic eye hand-painted to look “normal” during the day. Type 1 diabetes has stolen my vision."

Rachael Chalcraft

Living with type 1 diabetes for more than 27 years and uses her personal experience to encourage others to prioritize their diabetes and eye health.

Keith Patterson

“My symptoms did not come on all at once, but were gradual. I worked in the agriculture industry for most of my working life and noticed when I was walking across the fields that I could see branch-like figures in the distance, even though I knew there weren’t any trees in the field."

Natalie Karabel

“...when she was 34, Natalie developed an eye complication called diabetic retinopathy that can happen when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina."

Michael Donohue

“My life with diabetic retinopathy was a huge adjustment. I began seeing my eye doctor monthly and prepared to receive injections in my eyes, which took time to adjust to as part of my new life with diabetes."

Serena

"Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing my diabetes and eye health and asking for help along the way. I started eating healthier and working out 30 minutes a day, six days a week so I could hit my goals—and I succeeded."

Melvin Reynolds

Melvin Reynolds

"I am grateful for the support of my partner and my diabetes care team who have helped me prioritize and manage my diabetes and eye health better. While my life drastically changed at age 30, I am currently in a great place with my diabetes—having the lowest A1C I’ve had in my life of 5.8!"

Erica

"If there is one thing I would say to those struggling with their diabetes and eye health, it would be this: Diabetes can be scary, but you don’t have to let it control you. Take care of yourself and show the world that you are more than your diabetes!"

Joe Holland

"If I could give a person newly diagnosed with diabetes advice, it would be to take care of your health and utilize your health care team. "

Jenna

"One piece of advice I have for someone who was recently diagnosed with diabetes is that it’s not the disease that kills you, it’s the complications."

Tiffani Martin with sunglasses

Tiffani Martin

Randall Barker

diabetes eye health blog meet patricia

Patricia Welter

Serena Valentine and Kevin Clay

Serena Valentine and Kevin Clay

American Diabetes Month 2022

Roger Hare and Michael Donohoe

Roger Hare and Michael Donohoe

American Diabetes Month 2022

Patricia Welter sitting on patio

Patricia Welter

American Diabetes Month 2022

Randall and Emma being interviewed about diabetes

Randall and Emma Barker

American Diabetes Month 2022

Natalie Karabel

Natalie Karabel

American Diabetes Month 2022

Jenna Curcuru

Be a Friend Friday

Erica Scaglione

Be a Friend Friday

Become a Champion

Share your story to help raise awareness of diabetes-related eye disease.