I first met Eugenia Araiza, MS, DN, DCES, while we had an overlap in employment working for Beyond Type 1*, a nonprofit within the diabetes space changing what it means to live with diabetes. It didn't take long in working with Eugenia for me to be inspired by her. Eugenia's passion for making people's lives with diabetes better was evident from the first day of our interactions. Eugenia leads by example and humility in her professional endeavors. Her commitment to providing inclusive and localized resources for Spanish-speaking communities impacted by diabetes in the United States surely inspires everyone she encounters to action.
I am certainly one of these people she inspired to action!
Since meeting Eugenia, I have also had the opportunity to work with her outside of our 9 to 5s. Eugenia has played a critical role in making "Rosie Becomes a Warrior" accessible to Spanish-speaking audiences. Despite the tiny budget that I was working with and the large ask that I proposed to her, Eugenia offered her time and talent to translate each book in the series. And I am so grateful! Believe me when I say I'll be ringing her up again when I'm ready to expand "Rosie" once more! Eugenia is not only well-versed in diabetes but is very easy to work with professionally.
My observations of Eugenia are that she's truly immersed herself in the diabetes space, not only as a professional talent but as a coach, nutritionist, and person living with type 1 diabetes herself. I know firsthand how emotional offering yourself this way to the diabetes community can be, and I applaud and appreciate her for it. Eugenia is a bilingual Nutritionist, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and certified Health Coach recognized by the Board of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She has also spoken at various diabetes space and health events over the years as an expert in her field. An impressive resume!
Most recently, in December 2023, she spoke at Beyond Type 2 Español's (a sister site of Beyond Type 1) Virtual Summit.
She has authored "Soy Diferente y me Gusta," emphasizing acceptance in navigating life with diabetes, "The Healthy Diabetes Journal," which captures holistic glucose management beyond daily levels, integrating body, mind, and diabetes nuances, and "Sweet-N-Healthy," which offers sugar-free, low-carb desserts designed for effective glucose management, backed by rigorous testing and endorsed by a diabetes-specialized nutritionist. You can find all of these resources and more from Eugenia on Amazon.
Eugenia is generous with her time, talent, and abilities. From writing articles to providing coaching and resources to translating the works of others, I truly believe she's making the lives of people living with diabetes in the United States better each and every day.
The best part about living with diabetes is community, and we are so lucky to have her in it (if any luck can be found with this unforgiving disease)! Thank you for inspiring the diabetes community and making it better, Eugenia!
DISCLOSURE:
*This article mentions Beyond Type 1, an organization where I am currently employed full-time. This article and website are not affiliated with Beyond Type 1. Any views or opinions expressed on this webpage or others are my own and do not represent the views or opinions of others.