Mark Paull: Advocate, Author, and Lifelong T1D Warrior
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Born: April 21, 1956
For over five decades, Mark Paull has defied the odds, transforming Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) from a relentless challenge into a mission of advocacy, storytelling, and resilience. Diagnosed in 1967 at age 11—during what he calls the "dark ages" of diabetes care—he grew up navigating a world without blood glucose meters, insulin pumps, or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). In those days, survival meant intuition, trial and error, and an unbreakable will. These early experiences shaped not just his approach to diabetes but his entire life.
A Life Shaped by Two Forces: T1D and ADHD
While T1D was a constant battle, another challenge ran beneath the surface—one he wouldn’t fully understand until decades later. Undiagnosed ADHD fueled his energy, his thoughts, and his writing, shaping the way he processed the world. Long before he knew what ADHD was, it drove him to document everything—his observations, emotions, and experiences—through relentless journal writing. Beginning in 1962, Mark filled over 50 handwritten journals spanning five decades, a collection tragically lost in a flood but never forgotten.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Mark worked directly with diabetes patients, guiding them through an era of rapid yet uneven medical advancements. He witnessed the shift from urine testing to the first blood glucose meters, from rigid insulin regimens to patient empowerment. He didn’t just observe history—he lived it, helping others navigate an uncertain landscape.
Writing as Advocacy
Though always a storyteller, Mark’s writing has now evolved into a powerful vehicle for advocacy. His upcoming memoir, Turning Sweetness Into Strength: A Journey of Resilience, Insight, and Humanity, is more than just a personal story—it’s a battle cry for resilience. This book blends personal experience with deep insight, offering:
✔ A raw, unfiltered narrative of growing up with T1D, told with humor, honesty, and heart.
✔ Uncommon insights into the mental and emotional toll of diabetes—how it shapes identity, relationships, and survival instincts.
✔ Practical wisdom, historical context, and moments of triumph designed to empower the next generation of T1D warriors.
Beyond memoir, Mark is also the author of T1D Superheroes: Adventures in the Hero Zone, a children's book celebrating young superheroes who use their T1D tools to thrive and help others. His novella, The Forgotten Dog, tells the poignant story of Dino, an abused dog whose journey reflects resilience and hope.
Beyond the Page
Mark lives in Montreal with his beloved Galgo, Gaia, and operates a dog-boarding service that fills his home with boundless energy and companionship. A passionate cook, he finds joy in transforming simple ingredients into meals that nourish both body and spirit. He remains deeply engaged with the diabetes community, advocating for those with T1D so that no one has to face their journey alone.
His mission? To equip the next generation with strength, knowledge, and the power to thrive.
3 likes
0 comments
0
