Please note we had a few technical difficulties with this episode! Tino had a power cut at the time of recording, so he was using his phone signal to record and as you will hear, it’s a little patchy at points. But do stick with it because this is a really powerful conversation.
 
‘I want to be the bridge between the knowledge and my community.’
 
How do you strike a balance between pushing for change and ensuring the healthcare system is equipped to handle the progress? This is the question preoccupying today’s guest Tino Dzikiti. He is working to bring the latest diabetes research, knowledge and tools to his community in Zimbabwe. ‘There is resilience in the system, but there are huge gaps in the system,’ he told me. ‘We’re trying to make progress with the basics. It’s slow, but there is hope.’
 
After training in finance, Tino shifted his life’s work to become a Diabetes Advocate, Educator, Podcast Host and Consultant. Aged just 26, he's using his platform and blog to break down complex diabetes topics and the latest findings in a way that the whole community can benefit from.

While sharing knowledge, raising awareness and reducing stigma, Tino is also pushing for more affordable access to diabetes medication. We chatted about the more challenging aspects of making your voice heard, the cost of diabetes care in Zimbabwe and how becoming an advocate for people with diabetes has helped Tino to rewrite his own story, after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11.

CONNECT WITH TINO: 
Say hi to Tino on Instagram.
The Global Diabetes Insights podcast.
Take a look at Tino's blog, The Diabetic Mogul.

JOIN THE TYPE 1 ON 1 COMMUNITY: 
We’ve got an Instagram account! Come and say hi @studiotype1on1.

SPONSOR MESSAGE:
Thanks to my episode sponsors Dexcom.

Pioneer and leader in Real-Time continuous glucose monitors,

Dexcom's goal is to simplify and improve diabetes management for every possible person with diabetes.

They have a choice of systems, so you can find the right one for your lifestyle at https://www.dexcom.com/