Attention to detail: it’s what makes a writer great, a researcher accurate, and an editor sharp.

It also makes chronic health conditions easier to handle.

I’m Cheryl Alkon, a longtime writer, researcher and editor, as well as a seasoned person with type 1 diabetes. Being close to a lifelong patient of one issue or another, I am fluent in doctors, medical terminology, and the American healthcare system (at least for today).

I ask a lot of questions. Whether I’m talking to a story source or one of my medical professionals, I’ll sweat the details and keep on asking until I really get it.

Then, I write up what I’ve learned to help readers get it, too.

Which readers?

  • The general public. I write about assorted health issues for consumer-based websites, print publications and content marketing projects.
  • Physicians. My work in trade and association magazines and websites helps doctors be better at their jobs.
  • Parents. All my questions and details help parents, especially in matters related to kid or adult health.
  • Small business owners. From technology to terminology, I’ve written about topics that help franchise owners improve their bottom lines.
  • Random other audiences. Sometimes, I write about gardening or what it took for me to register to vote.

I’m also the author of Balancing Pregnancy With Pre-Existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby, an insider’s guide to getting and staying pregnant with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It originated from my now-defunct, but still accessible blog, Managing the Sweetness Within, where I chronicled my efforts.

Cheryl Alkon

I live in Massachusetts with my husband David, son Ethan, and daughter Hannah. Our house is crammed with Dave’s vintage finds (the man can’t resist a yard sale), assorted electronic devices for our kids’ entertainment, and weirdly, a lot of stuffed animals and plush blankets. When not writing, I’m on the couch reading under one of those cozy blankets, appreciating bright colors (love me some fuchsia), or belting out pop tunes.

I wrote my first newspaper article for the Justice at Brandeis University before graduating with a BA in English and American Studies. Later, I earned a master’s degree from Columbia University, where I earned the nickname “Sister Vanilla” after reporting in New York’s Central Harlem.