Alexi Melvin
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Alexi Melvin is a writer, artist and actress in the Bay Area. She studied at the New School University in Manhattan as well as the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She has written for multiple publications and websites such as the San Francisco Chronicle and has been a regular contributor for Beyond Type 1 for many years. You can also hear her voice in two Star Wars films. She has been a loyal advocate for type 1 diabetes awareness, education and fundraising since she was diagnosed in 2003. She hopes to continue to empower and be a voice for those who choose to embrace type 1 diabetes as a part of their lives, but at the same time, do not allow it to define them.
New Book Alert! “Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle it” by Dr. Mark Heyman
Diabetes sucks. And you can handle it! Hear from psychologist Mark Heyman about his new book that explores mental health and type 1 diabetes.MORE
How Turning Red Brings Diabetes Representation to Pixar
Pixar technical supervisor Susan Fong lives with type 1 diabetes and brings diabetes representation to new film Turning RedMORE
T1D in Under-Resourced Countries: Life for a Child’s Vision for the Future
Beyond Type 1 was delighted to host a webinar, which you can view here. We wanted to introduce our community to Life for a Child—an outstanding organization that is contributing to the global diabet...MORE
From Coast Guard Officer to Author: How a T1D Diagnosis Changed This Man’s Path
Thomas "Buddy" Bardenwerper was diagnosed with T1D as a Coast Guard Officer. Now, he is the author of an exciting upcoming novel.MORE
Why I’m Running (Again): The Marathon of T1D
My choice to run again stems from the realization that when you take on something that you never thought your body was capable of, the little things in life suddenly do seem littler. Even when you are...MORE
Comedian Samara Suomi Embraces Diabetes on Stage
We've all heard ignorant jokes about diabetes, so what happens when a comedian with type 1 diabetes takes the stage? MORE
“Chronic Hope: Raising a Child with Chronic Illness with Grace, Courage, and Love” Book Review
In her new book, Bonnie O’Neil manages to perfectly capture what it is like raising a child with a type 1 diabetes.MORE
Dr. Steve Edelman on Hypoglycemia + Glucagon
I think the biggest issue today is people do not have a valid prescription for it. I always have this analogy, if you have a house or an apartment and it gets robbed and they steal everything that...MORE
The Global Impact of ‘Life For a Child’ with Dr. Graham Ogle
Life for a Child seeks to help children living with type 1 diabetes in under-resourced countries get the tools and critical care they need.MORE
Chatting with Home Economics’ Shiloh Bearman
BT1 spoke with nine-year-old Shiloh about her role on the show, managing T1D on set, her plans for her acting career going forward, and more.MORE
We Are Brave Together: A Supportive Community for Moms of Children with Special Needs
Founder Jessica Patay discusses We Are Brave Together, a non-profit organization for moms of children with special needs.MORE
Navigating Addiction While Living with Type 1 Diabetes
"Drugs have a way of making everything in your life take a backseat to them..." But what happens when Type 1 diabetes can't take a backseat?MORE
Checking in with American Idol’s Ava August
The youngest contestant on this season of American Idol talks to Beyond Type 1 about her career and performing with T1D.MORE
Trying a CGM for Free with the MyFreeStyle Program
The MyFreeStyle program allows you to try out the FreeStyle Libre for free, and I decided to test it out for myself.MORE
Meet the Creators of “When I Go Low: A Type 1 Diabetes Picture Book”
Beyond Type 1 recently chatted with author Ginger Vieira and and artist Mike Lawson about the new book and their own experiences with T1D.MORE
With SAG-AFTRA Healthcare Changes, Can T1Ds Stay in the Arts?
With recently announced SAG-AFTRA healthcare changes, do the majority of people with T1D realistically have the option to choose a profession in the arts? MORE
A New Pancreas and a New Lease on Life
Brandon Mouw lived with type 1 diabetes for 31 years. You may notice that I used the past tense. He had type 1 diabetes, until his pancreas transplant.MORE
Diabetes and Reality TV, with Marcus LaCour from Say I Do
Netflix's "Say I Do" is a reality show about surprise dream weddings, but its first episode showcased something we don't often see in reality TV - Type 1 diabetes.MORE
Watch Type 1 Diabetes on Netflix
When was the last time you saw a positive portrayal of diabetes on screen? Our critic considers two Netflix shows featuring people with type 1 diabetes.MORE
Insulin: Past, Present & Future
Insulin: it’s that thing that keeps people with type 1 diabetes alive. Here, we explore where insulin has been and where it's going next.MORE
“Actually, I Can” Book Review
In her new book, Morgan Panzirer touches on experiences, wins, frustrations and pet peeves that someone with T1D can easily relate to.MORE
Insulin Access: The Haves and Have-Nots
Reliable and consistent insulin access should not be a luxury reserved for the few. It should be the standard.MORE
How to Set Boundaries with Loved Ones During COVID-19
Need to set clear boundaries with loved ones to keep yourself safe during COVID-19? Here are some ways to do that – without feeling sorry about it.MORE
My Inspirations to Stay at Home
I would love to throw caution to the wind and get outside right now - travel, see my friends, be anywhere but my house. But I am not going to. Here's why.MORE
How to Choose an Endo
Choosing the right endocrinologist to fit your lifestyle is not always an easy task, but don't be afraid to look around and advocate for yourself.MORE
InPen Review: Smart Insulin Delivery Via MDI
InPen, developed by Companion Medical, is breaking ground for people with diabetes on MDI that has already been broken for people using an insulin pump.MORE
Actress Elizabeth Perkins on Her Type 1 Journey
It wasn’t until the emergence of strong T1D communities that Elizabeth Perkins was finally comfortable being loud about her experience living with diabetes.MORE
Technology For My Lifestyle: An Eversense Review
Megan Casey has found that the implantable Eversense CGM is her best bet when it comes to diabetes management because it fits her lifestyle.MORE
City of Hope’s World Diabetes Day Panel
On November 14th, World Diabetes Day, City of hope hosted an hour-long Facebook Live broadcast titled "Celebrating World Diabetes Day: Journey Toward a Cure,” hosted by Beyond Type 1 cofounde...MORE
Get to Know Sara Jensen: Executive Committee Chair
Ever since Beyond Type 1 was founded in 2015, Creative Director Sara Jensen has served as one of the pillars of the organization. Sara’s son Henry, now 12, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013...MORE
The T1D Guide to Running Your First Marathon
So, you have T1D and you want to run a marathon? You’re in luck! Alexi just did and shares her tips and tricks.MORE
The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom: A Book Review
Stacey Simms has recently added a new title to her repertoire: author. Stacey’s new book, "The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom" is available now.MORE
T1D Greatest Hits Playlist
The playlist is here. Get your groove on and have fun with these type 1 tunes. MORE
T1D Pro Basketball Player Fabian Bleck Talks Support Systems + Consistency
Fabian Bleck talks about his life with type 1 as a basketball player in Germany and what playing at the professional player is like.MORE
Movies That Make Us Think All The T1D Thoughts
Everyone loves movies. But some films conjure hilarious and/or downright frightening scenarios for those dealing day in and day out with type 1.MORE
10 Daily Life Annoyances that Only T1Ds Know
Difficult decisions surrounding food, constant alarms going off, questions and looks from strangers — It's all just part of daily life for people with T1D.MORE
Things Everyone Thinks Are Gross Unless You’re a T1D
Alexi Melvin gives us the inside scoop on gross, T1D-only situations that people outside the T1D space just don't understand.MORE
A Dead Pancreas, a Stress Fracture, and a Will to Run
Alexi Melvin talks about her trepidation with running and why nothing will stop her from running the TCS New York City Marathon.MORE
The ‘Ultra’ Role Model: One Mom’s Path to Distance Running
Jody LeVos brings her ultra marathon experience to the 2019 Beyond Type Run New York TCS Marathon team and shares her motivation for running.MORE
Compare Less, Live More: Social Pressure + T1D
Alexi Melvin discusses the competitive nature of social media and the way it affects the T1D community in particular.MORE
Bright Spots and Landmines of Living with T1D
Adam Brown has been an influential voice in the diabetes community for several years, since launching his popular advice column "Adam's Corner" on diaTribe. In 2017, Adam released his f...MORE
Why Are HbA1Cs Going Up Among Young Adults?
HbA1C Levels have gone up over the past decade, especially among young adults. At what point does technology become more of a hindrance than a help?MORE
How to Talk to Kids About Type 1
How do you explain type 1 diabetes on somewhat of a basic level that children will understand without intimidating, confusing or frightening them?MORE
Jay Franke: Dancing Professionally with T1D
Former Professional Dancer Jay Franke talks about his thriving career in one of the most competitive industries in the world after a type 1 diagnosis.MORE
T1D in the Wild: When Type 1 Isn’t #1
The thing that I have come to realize is that sometimes – when my mind has not been laser-focused on T1D, my management has actually improved.MORE
T1D in the Wild: Diabetics Invade Disneyland!
Out in the T1D "wild," occasionally you are bound to run into a mouse. Or perhaps even stumble upon a remote, enchanted castle.MORE
“Sharing” is Caring
The ability to have other people alerted if something goes awry with our blood sugar levels is invaluable. But – that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to be a little discerning when choosing to w...MORE
Diabetes in the Wild: Holiday Party Hacks
Holiday festivities are here! Here are some tips, tricks, and helpful insight into how to manage blood sugar levels amidst the merry-making.MORE
T1D in the Wild: Device Etiquette
There are many things to consider here – how we react to those who are uninformed about our various gadgets, and how we approach other people with type 1 out in the world.MORE
Meet Alexi on the Beyond Type 1 Leadership Council
Alexi is a writer, artist and actress in the Bay Area. She studied at the New School University in Manhattan as well as the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She has written for multiple pub...MORE
The T1D Travel Snack Guide
Whether traveling or commuting, having the right snacks when you have type 1 diabetes is key. Learn what our top nine travel snack picks are. MORE
New iLet Bionic Pancreas System Begins Clinical Trial Testing
Beta Bionics has officially received IDE approval from the FDA to begin a clinical trial, testing the new iLet Bionic Pancreas System.MORE
Gut Health Possibly the Key to Type 1 Diabetes Prevention
Recently, a research team from the University of Queensland in Australia began a trial centered around the relationship between the changes in gut microbiota and type 1 diabetes diagnoses, and whether...MORE
Meet the Woman Behind Lyfebulb + The Innovation Summit
After her diagnosis, and completing her postdoctoral in diabetes, Karin began to notice that there was a lack of organizations out there that focused on enjoying life despite living with a chronic ill...MORE
The International Diabetes Federation and Its Vision
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has one vision – to live in a world without diabetes.MORE
Proving a Type 1 Can Bike America
“Any chance I can get to just tell people, 'hey here’s this average guy who biked across America with type 1,' and how I handled nutrition, and handled insulin and blood sugar levels. I ...MORE
Non-verbal Type 1 Child Stuns Art World
Immediately after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2, Ocean’s speech development came to a screeching halt. Despite not being able to fully communicate his feelings verbally, Ocean...MORE
No Longer the Only (Type) One
What sets his journey with Bike Beyond apart from his other two adventures is that this time, he will not be the only one with type 1 diabetes.MORE
Knowledge is Power—T1D Parenting
Avery’s parents also believe in being upfront with their daughter about the risks that can come with having type 1. They believe that knowledge is power.MORE
Eric Tozer and The Diabetes Sports Project
Just one month after competing in his first marathon, Eric found himself running 3,000 miles, coast-to-coast in just 15 days. Did we mention that he, along with his nine other teammates, all did this ...MORE
Omnipod Horizon Hybrid Closed-loop System
Insulet Corporation – the company that brought us the tubeless insulin pump, the OmniPod, released some exciting news a couple weeks ago which could drastically shift the future of Type 1 diabetes m...MORE
Ketones & Low Carb Diets
We all are taught that ketones can result from high blood sugar or illness, but what I have recently experienced has illuminated another danger with regard to ketones—cutting out carbs.MORE
Can Pets Help in T1D Management?
To say that the stress and anxieties that come with having type 1 diabetes can get daunting would be an understatement. But have you ever considered that the simple act of playing with a cute animal c...MORE
Do you celebrate a diaversary?
We all have a diagnosis day. It is a day that would be tough to forget, but the question is, how should the day be recognized?MORE
Dating—When to Introduce Type 1 to the Relationship
Dating someone new is always stressful, and even more so when you have type 1 diabetes. True of both T1Ds and non-T1Ds, how much information to reveal at what time in the relationship is a tricky bala...MORE
T1D Device Malfunctions and What to Do
As much as we try to “live in the moment,” the fact remains that technology is not perfect, so we need to take a little extra time to plan and anticipate what might go wrong so that we can stay he...MORE
What would Chanda do?
Having type 1 diabetes, I have always struggled with the idea of feeling safe and confident in my own body —it is as if it is foreign to me at times, but I have never felt as empowered as I did imme...MORE
Take Your Perks with Type 1
Having type 1 diabetes has many downsides, or “lows,” if you will. It is often difficult to look on the bright side of any illness. However, there are certain instances where we get treated to som...MORE
The Evolution of T1D Technology
Considering how quickly Type 1 diabetes technology has been advancing over the recent years, it is very easy to get comfortable with those tools available to us today. There isn’t much of a reason t...MORE
The T1D Loner
If you are going to be living alone like me, or find yourself in circumstances where you are by yourself for long periods of time, it is good to take precautions. You can never be too careful or too p...MORE
SLAMT1D is All In
Two short years after discovering his youngest daughter had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he and his wife were already asking how they could help others. Since that day, over eleven years ago, ...MORE
Phil Southerland on Advocacy, Action + Type 1
If you know the name Phil Southerland, you are probably aware of his multiple achievements in the T1D community, especially when it comes to the athletic realm, such as his serving as the CEO of Team ...MORE
#DiabeticsAtDisney
Being diagnosed with type 1 has never held me back from continuing my beloved tradition, (which sometimes occurs more than a few times per year!). Disney parks, in my opinion, are perhaps the most typ...MORE
Talking T1D with Sam Fuld: Major League Baseball Player and Dad
When asked about managing his routine while on the road vs. at home, Sam stresses that every day is different no matter where he is. "If I’m playing and I’m 0 for 4 and I get no action in the...MORE
6 Nutrition Bars that Will Change Your Life
With all the various brands and flavors of nutrition bars available today, no one bar is going to taste the same as another. The same goes for the effect that they will have on our bodies (and BG leve...MORE
The 10 Most Expensive Liquids in the World
Type 1 diabetics rely on injections of a certain life-saving liquid called insulin. But have you ever wondered what the exact cost of insulin is? And how does it weigh in (per gallon) against the most...MORE
My Mental Health Balancing Act with Type 1 Diabetes
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Dealing with any disease takes a toll on our sanity, and understandably so. I try not to judge my emotions as they arise. Breathe, acknowledge them, and then exhale. MORE
The History of Type 1: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
Testing our blood glucose levels is integral to our diabetes management, and has become second nature to most of us in our daily routines. However, owning a blood sugar meter was not always a luxury f...MORE
Exclusive with Former NFL Player Brandon Green
“At the professional level, you could lose your job if you have to sit out,” Brandon said. “You have to operate like you don’t have it – people won’t feel sorry for you and you’ll have t...MORE
American Idol Elliott Yamin Dishes on Life and T1D
If you saw singer and performer, Elliott Yamin, walking down the street, you might immediately notice him from having watched Season 5 of American Idol where he came in 3rd place. What you may or may ...MORE
Jordan Morris and His Professional Soccer Career with Type 1 Diabetes
Jordan Morris wondered if his diagnosis would alter his athletic aspirations. Today plays for the Seattle Sounders FC Major League and the US National Team.MORE
