Inside This Episode, Amy J. sat down with Bruce Taylor, who's been living with type 1 diabetes since 1977 and has dedicated over four decades to advocacy and policy reform in the healthcare industry. Together, they explored what it really means to "create victory" when living with and fighting for better diabetes care.

Bruce Taylor broke down critical issues facing diabetes patients today, from the hurdles of navigating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and shifting formularies to the importance of advanced technology like CGMs and insulin pumps. He explained how these decisions, often made far from the exam room, dramatically affect patient well-being and why direct advocacy is more important than ever.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

Personal Stories & Progress: Both Bruce Taylor and Amy J. shared their journeys with diabetes from the '70s to now, highlighting advances in care and the real-life impacts of policy decisions.
Understanding PBMs & Formularies: Learn how behind-the-scenes negotiations can force you to change life-saving medications, often for reasons that have nothing to do with your health.
The Power of Advocacy: Bruce Taylor shared practical strategies, like the “rule of sevens”, for making your voice heard on Capitol Hill and in local policy.
Join the Movement: Simple ways to add your voice to the fight, sign up with groups like the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Leadership Council, or Beyond Type 1. They make it easy to contact your representatives (it only takes a minute!).

"A single voice can make a difference. Once a choir starts singing, people pay attention." — Bruce Taylor

Get Involved:

Visit organizations like Diabetes Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Leadership Council, and Beyond Type 1 to sign up for advocacy alerts.
Share your personal experience with your Congressional representatives, your story matters!
Remember the "rule of sevens": It takes just seven constituent contacts for lawmakers to start listening.

This episode is a reminder that although the system may feel overwhelming, you’re not powerless. Advocacy works, and every voice brings us closer to policies that truly put patients first.

Connect with Amy:

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More about Bruce:
Diagnosed with diabetes in 1977, Bruce has spent over four decades transforming patient advocacy into real-world impact. Recently retired after a 46-year healthcare career, he served as Senior Director of Government Affairs, Policy & Advocacy at Dexcom and held the same role at Roche Diabetes Care, helping expand access to advanced diabetes technology for millions worldwide. A co-founder of multiple national and global advocacy organizations, published author, and recipient of both the DCE National Champion Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Minority Quality Forum, Bruce continues his work today through board leadership with T-1 Today and the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition.