Meet Jyothi: How Growing Up Around Diabetes Influenced Her Life and Career in Endocrinology

This month, for American Diabetes Month®, I wanted to share my personal story. Growing up, diabetes was something I saw every day. I remember my grandparents doing insulin injections with every meal, and I vividly recall that my grandmother had an adverse reaction to porcine (pig) insulin, which led to a change in treatment. At the time, I didn't fully understand, but these memories stayed with me.

Later, my dad and mom were both diagnosed with diabetes in their 40s. I watched them go from oral medications to insulin injections, and my mom in particular worked hard to adjust our meals—especially in a culture where rice is a staple. She modified recipes to make them more diabetic-friendly, and as I grew up cooking alongside her, I naturally adopted these practices too.

This close, personal experience with diabetes became one of the main inspirations for me to pursue a career in endocrinology. I wanted to understand the disease better and be a resource for others facing the same challenges I saw firsthand.

My connection to diabetes became even stronger when I developed gestational diabetes during both of my pregnancies. While I was able to manage it through diet, my family history and personal experience with gestational diabetes have made me more aware of my own risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That's why I stay intentional about my diet and lifestyle choices. This has helped me connect even more deeply with my patients. I walk a similar journey they do, and that allows me to offer more personalized, compassionate care.

I believe the best approach to managing diabetes is a partnership. Together, we can create realistic, sustainable treatment plans—focusing on education, diet, lifestyle modifications, and when necessary, medication. It’s about empowering you to take control of your health, just as I’m working to do in my own life.

I hope sharing my story helps raise awareness about diabetes and highlights the importance of partnering with your healthcare team and endocrinologist to effectively manage this disease.