The Corner Booth

 You've seen them on TV and online. You couldn't help that they caught your eye or made your ears perk up, in spite of yourself. We’re talking about those ever-more-prevalent diabetes commercials, most brimming with smiling happy faces and energetic excitement about whatever the product aimed at PWDs (people with diabetes). Sometimes it's just hard to swallow. Yep, some even have catchy tunes, big-name actors or celebs, or creative spins to bump up interest in these disease-whacking offerings. Have you seen the latest TV spots for once-weekly Ozempic , for example? "OH... people with type 2 diabetes are so EXCITED...!" We clearly have a problem in the U.S. when it comes to being bombarded with marketing by Pharma and device companies, and that's come up in the recent conversation about healthcare cost and drug pricing regulation . Only the USA and New Zealand allow these televised ads to pop up like they do. But stepping aside from that big serio...

You can never fully appreciate the magic of a Friends For Life diabetes conference until you have the opportunity to attend one yourself. For me, that chance came most recently with a short journey to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Just picture a beautiful rainbow shining in the misty sunlight over the great natural wonder of the falls, and that's pretty much how I felt being surrounded by "my diabetes tribe" in Canada, those who "get it" when it comes to living with diabetes. I've been lucky enough to attend a few different FFL events over the years, from the big summer conference that brings thousands to Orlando, FL, each July to other smaller events sprinkled around the country. This #FFLCanada18 gathering in early November (just as Diabetes Awareness Month kicked off) was my first one outside the U.S. and certainly made an impact. Like all the wonderful FFL events, it featured a variety of talks on all manner of diabetes topics -- from managing exerci...