About us

Who We Are

Hi, we’re Harriet and Steven, the duo behind The Diabetic Travel Guide! Harriet’s been living with Type 1 diabetes since childhood—navigating life with an insulin pump, summer camps, and all. As a nursing student now specializing in diabetes education, she’s passionate about showing that diabetes is just one chapter in a life full of adventures.

Steven’s the supportive partner and fellow travel enthusiast who’s always up for turning our experiences into tips and stories. Together, we’ve learned that traveling with diabetes doesn’t have to be daunting—it can be empowering and fun. And yes, you’ll often see our cats Cooper and Buzz making a cameo or two!

What did Diabetic Travel Guide stands for?

Harriet’s journey with Type 1 Diabetes began when she was just five years old. From an early age, she learned the importance of resilience and self-care, starting on an insulin pump at the age ten, a tool she still uses today to help manage her diabetes more easily. Her strength and curiosity have shaped her life in countless ways, inspiring her to not only live well with diabetes but to help others do the same.

Harriet grew up surrounded by support and understanding, especially after her older brother was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of twelve. Her summers at Camp Sweeney in Gainesville, Texas were especially transformative. There, she learned more about managing her diabetes while forming lifelong friendships with others who understood her experiences.

Today, Harriet is studying to become a nurse, with the goal of specializing in pediatric diabetes education. Her dream is to empower children and families facing the same challenges she has navigated with compassion and confidence. To show them life with diabetes doesn’t have to be restricted.

Since 2006, she’s also been part of a groundbreaking clinical trial with Dr. Denise Faustman, dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, a cause close to her heart and one that continues to motivate her daily.

When she’s not studying or advocating, Harriet loves to travel. Her favorite destination is Jamaica, where she and her husband spent their honeymoon. She also has a special love for Disney World, where every visit feels like pure magic.

At home, she shares her adventures with her energetic cat, Cooper, who keeps life interesting and full of laughs.

Our Mission

Our mission is to show the world that life with diabetes is still a life full of fun, adventure, and joy. We want to inspire and empower others by sharing how we navigate our travels, chaos and all, with Harriet’s diabetes. Instead of just telling people it’s possible, we want to show them—giving them the guidance, support, and confidence to take on their own adventures, no matter how risky it may feel.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where diabetes doesn’t set boundaries — where every person living with it feels confident, educated, and empowered to explore life to the fullest. We believe that with a bit of knowledge, a bit of will, and a lot of patience, diabetes will never be the limiting factor.

Through sharing our story and experiences, we aim to inspire others to embrace their own journey, showing that travel, adventure, and freedom are possible for everyone — no matter where their path begins.

The Reason We Started The Diabetic Travel Guide

We decided to start The Diabetic Travel Guide because, as a couple, we’ve seen firsthand how traveling with Type 1 Diabetes can be both challenging and rewarding. Harriet, being a Type 1 diabetic since she was a child, and me as her biggest supporter, we’ve learned so much along the way. We often see people struggling with diabetes while traveling, and we felt inspired to share our experiences, tips, and little personal touches that have helped us manage it along the way. Our goal is to provide helpful advice and support to anyone traveling with diabetes, so they can focus less on the stress and more on enjoying the journey.

What we stand for

At The Diabetic Travel Guide, we stand for inspiration, support, and adventure. We believe that diabetes should never limit the incredible journeys life has to offer. Our mission is to inspire others to explore the world confidently, with practical tips and heartfelt stories. We’re here to support fellow travelers, providing the tools and encouragement needed to manage diabetes while embracing every adventure.