### Ilene Raymond Rush and Her Connection to Diabetes Ilene Raymond Rush is an award-winning health and science freelance writer who has a personal connection to type 2 diabetes. Her journey with diabetes began 30 years ago when she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her first pregnancy. Despite managing to avoid type 2 diabetes for 7 years through daily 6-mile runs, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1987 after her second pregnancy. Since then, she has been managing her condition with a combination of medication, diet, and exercise. As a freelance writer, she has had the opportunity to access the latest research and insights from doctors and scientists, which she shares through her writing. Her work is regularly featured in the Health & Science section of The Philadelphia Inquirer and on dLife, and she has contributed to many other publications including AARP, Diabetic Living, and Weight Watchers Magazine. Raymond Rush is a graduate of Brandeis University and the Iowa Writers Workshop. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and their schnauzer, Noodle. Despite the challenges of managing diabetes, she continues to write and share her experiences, offering both inspiration and practical advice to others dealing with the disease.