Hey, Friends! As we continue our series of interviews with the 2019 DiabetesMine Patient Voices Contest winners, please welcome Nicholas Galloway from Ohio, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the emergency room as a teenager back in 2001. Nick works as a diabetes educator (aka Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) in the prominent Cleveland Clinic, and is a self-described “diabetes tech nerd.” He also says his early ER experience shaped his views on medical professionals and how diabetes isn’t treated efficiently in urgent care facilities, leading into his career and efforts advocating for our community. Nick was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14 years old in the local ER on July 10, 2001. He had symptoms like tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pains, and thirst, which were initially overlooked. His parents noticed something was wrong, and after some time, Nick admitted he needed to see a doctor. At the ER, his condition was severe, with large ketones, significant weight loss, and extremely high blood glucose levels. This experience motivated him to pursue a career in healthcare. Nick now works at Cleveland Clinic, providing Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and is a certified pump trainer. He believes the new DCES designation better reflects the multifaceted role of diabetes educators. Nick's personal experience with type 1 diabetes helps him empathize with patients and provide better care. He highlights the importance of understanding each patient's unique story and the need for improved diabetes technology and accessibility. Nick is excited about new diabetes innovations and hopes to continue advocating for the diabetes community.