Community and Rehab Care - Community Living / September 22, 2025
Michael Barnhart has been a joy at the Konnoak home in Winston Salem, NC, since he moved in three years ago. He is spirited, empathetic, and makes sure to let his staff and housemates know he cares for and loves them.
With all of his energy and joyfulness, it’s not obvious that Michael struggles with diabetes and the complications that may come with it. Recently, he got an Omnipod to go along with his Dexcom device. He learned how to monitor his sugar with these devices with expertise! Diagnosed at age 12, Michael does not let living with Type 1 diabetes hinder him from anything or affect his quality of life. He prides himself on knowing how to use, change and update his equipment when needed.
Because of his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Michael has had to learn how to identify if his sugar is going up or down and what to do to help himself. Michael’s Dexcom alerts him before blood issues happen; therefore, he’s able to be proactive in his diabetic care and have ownership over his healthcare. Michael is always sure to say, “I got it! I know my stuff!” when caring for his diabetes.
Michael knows he needs to put in carb counts for his meals and how to alter what he eats depending on what his current blood sugar is. He has a housemate who recently received the same blood sugar monitoring system as him. In addition to handling his own diabetic care independently, he’s now able to help his housemate understand theirs too!
Michael is encouraged by his team, who helps him see his independence blossom and encourages him to take pride in all of his achievements! Michael has formed bonds with his housemates and is a true friend to them. He loves to play video games, racecars, and socialize with his peers. He has many plans for the future, including more trips to Dave & Buster’s to play games with his housemates and one day taking a vacation to the beach.
Michael doesn’t seem to notice the effect he has on others, but his impact is obvious to all around him. His positive and loving energy is contagious, his laugh and smile are great, and his spirit and character are one of a kind! Everywhere he goes, Michael brings with him a sense of excitement, a sense of adventure, and a love for life! As he says, he knows his stuff!
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