Raising awareness about type 1 diabetes
“I am using my voice to speak for a community of people who are underrepresented.”
Creating community has never been easier. At least, Michelle Schulman sure makes it look that way.
Living with type 1 diabetes for over 16 years, Michelle decided to bring together others on the same journey through her YouTube channel, where she goes by Michelle Lord, her maiden name
“It can be very isolating to live with type 1. I wanted to create this channel to show people that they are not alone, and to create relatable and inspiring content for them.”
Only 5 percent of diabetics have type 1, and its variations from type 2 diabetes – from cause to care – are greatly misunderstood. “I am using my voice to speak for a community of people who are underrepresented.”
With a variety of content on her channel, Michelle posts videos ranging from reflections on her own life to educational content and tips and tricks for living with type 1. “I try to make it light and positive with upbeat and fun videos.”
“Living with diabetes is like being on a perpetual rollercoaster. You have really good days, and then days with no control over your blood sugar. A chronic illness comes with a huge emotional burden, too. It’s a full time job in itself.”
It has been two years since her channel launched, and it has grown a following of over 14 thousand subscribers. With each video Michelle posts, she infuses optimism and meaning into thousands of lives. “The positive messages I receive are so humbling. The work is worth it just to hear that I’ve touched or changed one life.”
Michelle urges others to advocate for causes they care about. “Go for it and put yourself out there. You never know where it will lead.”
RANDOM RAPID FIRE WITH MICHELLE
1. Convention or unorthodoxy
2. Raptors or Leafs
3. Save or Spend
4. Party trick? Doing the splits
5. Useless talent? Double jointed toes
Michelle Schulman grew up in London, Ontario and completed her PhD in Medical Physics at McMaster University. Her YouTube channel, Michelle Lord, has brought together thousands of people living with type 1 diabetes. She continues to work on breaking the stigma and raising awareness about type 1 diabetes. Newly wed and new to the city, Michelle is well on her way to calling Toronto home.
Instagram: @miche_lo
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/MichelleLord
Interview by Adina Samuels