Christina Roth-Sleeper founded the College Diabetes Network (CDN) in 2009, and was appointed CEO of the national non-profit in 2013. Christina serves on the board of directors for the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), as well as various advisory committees across the diabetes sector. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, Christina became an active patient advocate while in college. She graduated summa cum laude from the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and worked at the Joslin Diabetes Center and consulted for the T1D Exchange prior to her appointment as CEO with the College Diabetes Network. Christina has led CDN to be recognized as the pre-eminent organization serving the young adult population with diabetes, establishing national partnerships with organizations such as ADA, JDRF, and the Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES), and being recognized for its innovative model by organizations such as the Small Business Association of New England (SBANE). Christina has spoken at FDA regulatory hearings, congressional briefings, and numerous national and international conferences advocating on behalf of people with diabetes, and the unique needs of the young adult demographic that her organization serves. She has received multiple awards and recognitions for her work, including being named a 2019 Diabetes Champion by Diabetic Living, The Commonwealth Institute’s Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Award, and the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) 40 under 40. She is an avid equestrian, and lives with her husband and their four-legged children on the south shore of Boston.
Age Diagnosed: 14 (on Valentines Day!)
What she likes to do: Dressage and riding horses. Trying new recipes. Yoga. Crime shows.
Favorite thing about diabetes: The people that I have met as a result, and the community that I am now a part of.
Least favorite thing about diabetes: Having a great workout, and then eating the entire fridge to treat the resulting lows.
Biggest T1D struggle while in college: Managing blood sugars while studying abroad
