T’ara Smith, Director of Beyond Type 2
2018-10-21
T’ara was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in July 2017 at the age of 25. Since her diagnosis, she focused her academic studies and career on diabetes awareness and living a full life with it. She’s passionate about helping others share their stories and feeling empowered to build a life to become their healthiest selves. In December 2018, T’ara joined the Beyond Type 1 team to continue her work in diabetes as the project manager for Beyond Type 2, since becoming its director. In April 2019, T’ara was re-diagnosed with LADA diabetes. Outside the office, T’ara enjoys going to the movies, hiking with her dog, listening to BTS, and cooking awesome healthy meals. T’ara holds an MS in Nutrition Education from American University.
Written by T’ara
The Type 2 Diabetes Guide to Thanksgiving
We're thankful for the chance to bring our guide to Thanksgiving for people with Type 2 Diabetes! Read how to get ready for the holiday here!MORE
How Insulin Makes Life with T2D Easier
Heather Olson shares why she chose to start taking insulin to manage type 2 diabetes and how it's made life with diabetes easier. MORE
Seeing a Positive Impact After Starting Insulin
Kelly Casperson speaks with Beyond Type 2 about recently starting insulin and the immediate positive impact it had on her life. MORE
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For a lot of people with type 2 diabetes, living with it can be more challenging than it needs to be - patient assitance programs can help.MORE
Insulin Improved My Quality of Life
Alex Charnin shares how she switched doctors to be put on insulin after her endo focused too much on her weight and not her glucose levels.MORE
Not Tracking Your Insulin Doses? This Doctor Shares Why You Should
Adult Endocrinologist, Tejawsi Kompala, MD, shares why you should be tracking how much insulin you take and how smartpens can help. MORE
Not All Net Carbs and Artificial Sweeteners are Alike
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When is the Right Time to Eat with Diabetes?
Experts discuss if there’s an optimal way to time your meals and the common “3 meals and 3 snacks per day” rule. MORE
FDA Approves Lilly’s Mounjaro: First of its Kind Medication for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
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History of Popular Medications for Type 2 Diabetes
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Type 2 Diabetes Is More Than Just About Your A1C
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How Starting a GLP-1 Helped This Chef Address Diet Culture
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I Accidentally Took 18 Units of the Wrong Insulin
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A Game Plan to Remember to Take Insulin
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The Benefits of Logging Insulin
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From Syringes to Insulin Pens: Making Type 2 Diabetes Life Easier
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Lessons Learned from My First CGM Experience
U.K.-based Type 2 advocate, Ken Tait, shares his experience with the Freestyle Libre 2 and why people with T2D should use a CGM. MORE
Expert Shares Tips on How to Get an Insulin Pump for Type 2 Diabetes
Joy Cornthwaite, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, joins Beyond Type 2 to discuss how people with Type 2 diabetes can get an insulin pump. MORE
Diabetes Remission vs. Cure vs. Reversal
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Being My Own T2D Success Story with Omnipod
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With an Insulin Pump, Type 2 Diabetes Requires Less Effort
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How Smartpen Devices Help People with Type 2 Diabetes
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Nocturnal Hypoglycemia: What to Know
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Evidence-Based Responses to Type 2 Diabetes Reversal
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Youth with T2D Experience Long-Term Complications By Young Adulthood
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My First Freestyle Libre: Making Adjustments to Type 2 Diabetes Care
John Ramos shares how he obtained his first Freestyle Libre on Medicare and made changes to his T2D, such as learning how to calculate carb ratios.MORE
Insulin Stigma in the Type 2 Diabetes Community
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Hypoglycemia, Food and Type 2 Diabetes w/ Robert Lewis
Robert Lewis shares his experiences with hypoglycemia, how it's impacted his life with food + T2D, and why Xeris Gvoke HypoPen is his safety net.MORE
Syringes vs. Pens vs. Smart Pens: Pros and Cons
Need a quick breakdown of the pros + cons of syringes, insulin pens, and a smart pen? Learn which insulin delivery method may work for you.MORE
The Role of Pharmacists in Diabetes Care
Pharmacists do more than just dispense prescriptions, they can actually help you manage Type 2 diabetes.MORE
Laurie Hernandez: Type 2 Diabetes is a Team Sport
U.S. Gold Medalist, Laurie Hernandez chats with Beyond Type 2 about supporting her father's journey with type 2 diabetes and why T2D is a team sport.MORE
How Type 2 Diabetes Impacts Children vs. Adults
Think Type 2 diabetes progresses the same in adults and children? Turns out, children aren't little adults according to researchers.MORE
Is Digital Health Coaching for Type 2 Diabetes Worth It?
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How to Get the Best Use Out of Your Test Strips
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T1D + T2D Perspectives on Hypoglycemia w/ Ginger + Taylor
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Fitness + Hypoglycemia with Liz Cambron, Ph.D.
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Outdoor Sports + Hypoglycemia with Amy Hess-Fischl
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Pump Access and Type 2 Diabetes
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Trusting Myself with Insulin
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No Shame in Using Insulin
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Alternate Blood Sugar Site Testing: What to Know
Did you know you can test your blood sugar in places other than your finger? Here's what to know about alternate site testing. MORE
Like Having a Life Coach on My Arm
Rob Taub shares his story about why wearing the Freestyle Libre is like having a life coach on his arm and what he's learned about diabetes.MORE
Staying Ready with Nasal Glucagon
T2D Mark Hanlon discussed his experiences with hypoglycemia and how he is staying ready with Baqsimi to prepare for future emergencies. MORE
What My First Month with Freestyle Libre Taught Me about My Diabetes
Venice Furio shares her experiences about her first month with the Freestyle Libre and the challenges of accessing CGM and making healthy food in the Phillippines.MORE
Nasal Glucagon Gives Me Peace of Mind
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The Type 2 Diabetes Guide to Bolus Insulin
Bolus insulin can help prevent glucose spikes after meals or correct for high blood sugar. Learn more in our guide to manage T2D.MORE
What to Know About the 2021 Standards of Care for Type 2 Diabetes
It's important to know which guidelines doctors follow to develop your treatment plans. Here's what to know about the 2021 Standards of Care.MORE
Know Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
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When Medications are Prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Doctors follow a set of protocols to determine when to recommend medications to T2D patients. Learn when they're likely to prescribe them.MORE
All About GLP-1s
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Life is Easier with Omnipod
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My First Time Using LibreView to Help Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
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Breast Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes
Over 400 million people worldwide have Type 2 diabetes and diabetes impacts up to a third of patients with breast cancer. What's the link? Read more. MORE
Why Type 1s Need to Advocate for Type 2s
Rifts exist between the T1D and T2D communities, which is why T1Ds like health coach Kelly Dawes believes more Type 1s need to advocate for people with Type 2. MORE
Being Prepared for Hypoglycemia to Stay on Top of My Diabetes Game
Professional sports photojournalist, Keith Crear, shares his experiences with hypoglycemia and how staying prepared keeps him on top of his game against Type 2 diabetes.MORE
Freestyle Libre’s Positive Impact on my Culinary Career
Chef Robert Lewis shares his story on why starting the Freestyle Libre was "love at first swipe" and how the device positively impacted his culinary career. MORE
Feeling Like a New Person with the Omnipod System
John Hale is a Former Drill Sergeant who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1999. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he had trouble bring his glucose down due to his medication. As a resul...MORE
Building an Army Against Type 2 Diabetes
Former Canadian Wrestler, Dan Denton, talks about his website and podcast Diabetes Army and how he advocates for health and wellness for people with Type 2 diabetes. MORE
Using Small Changes to Overcome Prediabetes
Karen Morrow was told she had prediabetes in 2017. After her diagnosis, she made small changes to her diet and exercise regimen to help her overcome prediabetes.MORE
A Type 2 Makeover by the Freestyle Libre 14 Day System
Allan Avendaño, 43, is a makeup artist from the Los Angeles area who uses the Freestyle Libre 14 day system to manage Type 2 diabetes. Allan tells Beyond Type 2 how the CGM device gave him a Type 2 m...MORE
About the National Diabetes Prevention Program
Over 88 million adults -- 1 in 3 Americans -- have prediabetes. Without treatment, it can progress to T2D within 5 years. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to help delay or prevent ...MORE
An Interview with ADCES 2020 Innovative Use of Technology Award Winner, Molly Wagman
2020 Innovative Use of Technology Award winner, Molly Wagman, MS, RDN, CSSD, CDCES, talks to Beyond Type 2 about using mySugr to improve the lives of diabetes patients. MORE
A Movement, Not a Moment: About the POC Living with Diabetes Virtual Summit
People of color within the diabetes community have been calling for more representation and have their voices heard from other community members and organizations, alike. Noticing the gap in awareness...MORE
10 Misconceptions about Type 2 Diabetes
There are many things people get wrong about type 2 diabetes. Here are 10 misconceptions about diabetes. MORE
The Benefits of Time-in-Range for Type 2 Diabetes with DCES Megan Muñoz
Learn how time-in-range benefits people with Type 2 diabetes with diabetes care and education specialist, Megan Muñoz! MORE
My First Time Prescribing A FreeStyle Libre
Anna Simos is a diabetes clinical research coordinator and diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) at Stanford University. Anna chats with Beyond Type 2 about the first time she prescribed a Fre...MORE
Diabetes Prevention Program Shows Persistent Reduction of Type 2 Diabetes Development
A 22-year follow up on the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) indicates a continued significant reduction in the participants’ risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Individuals in the...MORE
Lifestyle Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes Remission
Type 2 diabetes remission is a hot topic within the T2D community. At the American Diabetes Association's 80th Scientific Sessions, researchers presented data on the impact lifestyle intervention...MORE
Dapagliflozin May Reduce the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes
Research presented at the American Diabetes Association's 80th Scientific Sessions revealed that the SGLT-2 Inhibitor, dapagliflozin, may reduce the onset of Type 2 diabetes when used in patients...MORE
How Omnipod Simplifies Life with Type 2 Diabetes: A Chat with Insulet CCO Bret Christensen
Bret Christensen is the Chief Commercial Officer at Insulet, maker of the Omnipod Insulin Management System. He recently spoke with Beyond Type 2 to discuss his role at the company, how Insulet is ove...MORE
The Impact of Insulin Rationing on Mental Health
Insulin rationing is an unfortunate reality for people with diabetes and the burden on mental health is something people with diabetes shouldn't have to bear. MORE
Experiencing A Telehealth Appointment
Planning on using Libreview to go over your FreeStyle Libre 14 day system data in your telehealth appointment? Diabetes care and education specialist, Julia Blanchette, and Beyond Type 2 Project Manag...MORE
Roche Offers Free Access to mySugr Pro During COVID-19
With the rise of telemedicine during COVID-19, free access to mySugr Pro will help people stay connected to their healthcare team. MORE
My First Time Wearing the FreeStyle Libre
Liz started wearing a CGM for the first time in late 2019. Read why she answered "one thousand times yes" when asked if the FreeStyle Libre improved her life.MORE
Omnipod Helped Me Reduce My A1C by Nearly 10 Percent
After experiencing diabetic comas, neuropathy, and an A1C of over 17 percent, Prince was able to turn things around with the Omnipod insulin management system to reduce his A1C by nearly 10 percent.MORE
Saving on Diabetes Supplies
If you need to get some diabetes supplies immediately, learn how you can get them over-the-counter and save money.MORE
Film Review – Blood Sugar Rising
Blood Sugar Rising gives an overview of the diabetes and pre-diabetes epidemic in America, a disease that impacts over 100 million people and is predicted to be prevalent in half of the U.S. populatio...MORE
The Impact of COVID-19 on African-Americans
Think the coronavirus is the “great equalizer”? Think again. New data on the deaths from COVID-19 shows the pandemic is impacting communities of color, specifically African-Americans at disproport...MORE
FreeStyle Libre Approved by FDA for Hospitalized Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 14 day system will allow doctors to remotely monitor their patient's glucose levels. MORE
How to Stay Consistent with Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes is easier when you have a routine you can stick to. Learn how to stay consistent with diabetes management.MORE
Supporting Older Adults with Diabetes During COVID-19
Older adults are more susceptible to COVID-19. Learn more about supporting older adults with diabetes in your life. MORE
Improving Cultural Competency Among HCPs
Dr. Lisa Sumlin, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, chats about how healthcare professionals can improve their cultural competency skills to help their POC patients. MORE
FDA Approves Triple Combination Pill Trijardy for Type 2 Diabetes
On January 27, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Trijardy XR, a triple combination drug of empagliflozin (Jardiance), linagliptin (Tradjenta), and metformin. This is the first...MORE
Researchers See Type 2 Diabetes Develop for the First Time
Researchers have seen Type 2 diabetes (T2D) develop for the first time. A study published this month in Cell Metabolism shows excess fat that spills over from the liver into the pancreas may cause T2D...MORE
FreeStyle Libre Improved My Diabetes Management
DiabeticFoodie's Shelby Kinnaird chats with Beyond Type 2 on how the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system made life with diabetes easier.MORE
Sharing Your CGM Data
You don't need to do diabetes alone. If you wear a CGM, read about sharing your data with your friends and family who help you manage Type 2 diabetes.MORE
Hiking My Feelings to Manage Diabetes
Sydney Williams has been living with Type 2 diabetes for over two years. Her love for hiking forced her to confront some deep feelings...MORE
The Value of Professional CGM
Need help with your diabetes routine? Consider trying professional CGM (P-CGM). You and your doctor can use it to learn more about your Type 2 diabetes.MORE
FDA Investigating Contaminated Metformin, Risk is Low for Type 2 Patients
The FDA, Health Canada, and European Union investigate the presence of cancer-causing NDMA in Type 2 diabetes drug, metformin. The risk to patients is very low.MORE
Diabetes Education Helped This Marine Vet Reach His Type 2 Goals
Former Marine Vet Garrett Reynolds was in disbelief about his type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Through education, he achieved his diabetes goals.MORE
The Importance of CGM for Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes
For people with insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, a CGM can be the turning point in reaching your diabetes goals. Learn why these devices can work for you and make living with diabetes easier.MORE
5 Ways to Overcome Blood Sugar Testing Anxiety
Testing your blood sugar sucks sometimes. It can be painful and cause anxiety if we fear our numbers. If you feel this way, we have 5 ways to help you overcome blood sugar testing anxiety.MORE
How to Analyze Blood Glucose Meter Data
You don’t need to be an expert in your data—but it's helpful to be able to interpret how that Friday night out or killer workout impacted your blood sugar. MORE
Challenging the Importance of Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
A debate between two distinguished professors from the University of Edinburgh and Washington University in St. Louis about the seriousness of hypoglycemia in Type 2 diabetes. Their thoughts just may ...MOREColorado Becomes First State to Pass Bill Capping Insulin Costs
On Wednesday, May 22, Colorado became the first state in the U.S. to put a price cap on insulin.MORE
How I Managed Type 2 Diabetes While Pregnant
Ashley Leigh has been living with Type 2 diabetes for over a decade. In those years, she has given birth to two healthy babies. Ashley shared her story with us about how she managed her diabetes while...MORE
A LADA Thoughts
All I knew was something was wrong and I was happy my endo appointment was just a few days later. It never occurred to me the cause was a different diagnosis. It never occurred to me that it was LADA.MORE
Celebrating Mother’s Day with Your Type 2 Mom
Take the time to appreciate your mom this Mother's Day with these tips for moms of Type 2s and moms with Type 2.MORE
How to Build Your Diet
Building a comprehensive healthy diet is crucial to good diabetes management.MORE
“Fat-Free” Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Healthy
Are fat-free options the best options always the healthier ones? Not always. Learn how to determine if seemingly healthier options are better for you. MORE
What is an Endocrinologist?
Living with Type 2 diabetes could mean seeing a specialist. If you're having trouble controlling diabetes, an endocrinologist could help you manage it.MORE
Learning About Sugar
When people think of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, they believe people with it can’t eat anything with “sugar” and believe it causes diabetes. But what exactly does that mean? MORE
Is Your Endocrinologist Really Listening To You?
Communication with your endocrinologist is essential in Type 2 diabetes management. Is your endocrinologist truly hearing all of your concerns? Read our tips and decide for yourself.MORE
