Community voices
Exploring glucose management with boundless curiosity: Alysse’s story
Published: Jun. 24, 2025
3 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Our community of Stelo users, like Alysse, continue to inspire us with their unique life experiences and in managing their glucose. Alysse’s journey is particularly fun to follow on Instagram @readytostare, as she travels from one exciting location to another, sharing her glucose health journey along the way. In 2024, Alysse brought Stelo along for the ride, helping her achieve her lowest A1C since her type 2 diabetes diagnosis more than a decade ago.
Navigating diabetes with a sense of adventure
Alysse has always been fueled by a sense of adventure. Whether she's exploring new cities, hiking through scenic trails, or diving into the vintage community back home in Cleveland, she embraces experiences that bring her joy and connection.
But behind that adventurous spirit is also someone who has spent nearly a decade learning to navigate life with type 2 diabetes. Through it all, she's discovered that managing her glucose health the best she can is a journey all its own—one built on curiosity, resilience, and trust in herself.
Redefining what glucose health looks like
When Alysse was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 28, she already had a strong understanding of the condition. Both of her grandparents passed away from diabetes complications when she was young, and her mom worked at the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Still, receiving the diagnosis for herself was a life-changing moment.
At the time, Alysse decided to process her diagnosis privately, seeking out resources that aligned with her weight-neutral approach to health. When she found there weren’t enough, she started creating them herself. Through writing and partnerships, Alysse became a voice for others who wanted to manage their diabetes without shame or stigma.
“Diabetes can affect people of all sizes,” she says. “It’s not your fault. Genetics play a huge role.”
Learning to tune in, not tune out with Stelo
In July 2024, Alysse added Stelo to her toolkit. It quickly changed the way she engaged with her glucose health.
Before she found Stelo, Alysse used traditional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems with alarms, which are beneficial for people who take insulin. With Stelo, she experienced a refreshing shift. Instead of waiting for an alarm to signal a problem, Stelo’s gentle prompts have encouraged her to tune into her body’s natural cues.
“Without alarms, I actually got more in tune with my body. Now, I check based on how I feel instead of waiting for a sound to tell me something’s wrong.”
That mindfulness paid off. By December 2024, Alysse achieved her lowest A1C level since her initial diagnosis. “I definitely credit the insights from Stelo with helping me reach this major milestone,” she says.
Turning insights into action
One of Alysse’s favorite benefits of Stelo is how it helps her notice patterns, both big and small. She’s been experimenting with timing her meals differently, especially in the evening. “I’m a true night owl,” she says. “I used to eat really late, but now I’m trying not to eat after 8 p.m. When I have a protein-dense dinner, I stay full and my glucose stays steady through the night.”
Stelo has also helped her connect stress to her glucose levels. During a particularly intense therapy session, she noticed a glucose spike. “Seeing that notification reminded me how much stress impacts my body,” she says. “It led to a really important conversation about ways to regulate my nervous system.”
Staying empowered on the road
Travel is a huge part of Alysse’s life, and using Stelo has helped her manage her glucose even while adjusting to new foods and time zones. On a recent three-week trip to the UK and Japan, she stayed flexible and tuned in, making small adjustments to her meals and checking her glucose based on how she felt.
After she returned home, her doctor reviewed her Stelo data and commented on how well she adapted while abroad, which was a huge confidence boost. "It made me feel like I can really handle this, even when things aren’t routine.”
“Don’t be afraid”
For anyone newly diagnosed or just starting out with Stelo, Alysse offers this encouragement: “Don’t be afraid of the diagnosis. It’s not the end of the world. Stelo can help you learn your body’s patterns. And that knowledge is power.”
For Alysse, it all comes back to the same spirit that drives her love of travel and exploration: curiosity, not fear. “It’s about getting to know your body better,” she says. “That’s what empowers you to live fully.”
Alysse is a paid Stelo ambassador.
Reviewed by: Jami Klein,
RN, BSN, CDCES
RN, BSN, CDCES
Jami Klein is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist with extensive experience in both clinical settings and diabetes industry.
