Diabetes Tech Can’t Wait

Written by Geraldine

Hi! I'm Geraldine and I’ll be taking over Diabetes UK’s social media channels today for #DiabetesWeek. I’ve been living with #Type1Diabetes for 8 years now and was diagnosed at 12 years old.

At the time I’d just started secondary school away from home at a boarding school. I’d had symptoms of weight loss, which my mum noticed, and I was also needing to go to the toilet a lot more often as well as being thirsty all the time. When I saw my GP about it, they said it may be due to my body changing as I was entering my teens and as I was more active.

As months went on my symptoms worsened, I had to do several blood and urine tests at my school medical centre before any official diagnosis. The proteins in urine were high, a strong indication of diabetes, and once I’d done a finger prick test it showed my glucose levels to be in the 20s, which is abnormally high. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

At the time of my diagnosis, I wasn’t given the opportunity to access any tech. I was discharged from hospital with my glucose meter and multiple daily injections (MDI). Having to keep on top of injecting insulin, pricking my fingers and also trying to live a somewhat normal life became emotionally and physically draining. I am fortunate enough to have a very supportive mum who began researching #DiabetesTech and came across the Dexcom CGM.

However, my funding application was denied despite me suffering from hypo unawareness and struggling to manage my condition. This was very frustrating for us. My parents even considered moving out of London because CGM was being funded in other areas – just not where we lived. We had no choice but to self-fund, but after a while I realised it was becoming unaffordable. That’s when my Mum and I joined Diabetes UK and other organisations to start campaigning for access to tech.

Whilst volunteering, my mum was advised by a colleague to try and apply for funding again because my hypo unawareness meant that I should be eligible to receive funding for a CGM. Eventually we were successful and after 3 years I no longer had to self-fund my CGM. For me, it meant I could live without my condition controlling me and I could do the things I love without a worry.

We had to fight for a long time but I’m so grateful that I now get to benefit from this technology without having to self-fund, as I know not everyone is so lucky. That’s why the #DiabetesTechCantWait campaign is so important, as everyone should get to benefit from the tech they’re eligible for - no matter who they are and where they live.

My hobbies include travelling, cooking, playing sports and music. These things can require a bit more thought when you live with diabetes, but I’ve been educated on how to adjust my insulin dosages whilst still being able to enjoy the things I love to do. My CGM has been life-changing in regards to this, I don’t have to constantly pause to check my glucose levels and my parents are also able to access my glucose readings from their own devices so they know I'm safe.

At one point I had to give up playing netball because having to constantly do finger prick tests was interfering. But once CGM came into my life everything changed. My condition was better controlled, and I’m now playing netball even better than before.

This is why I think it's so important for everyone to have access to the tech they’re eligible for, as nobody should be held back from doing the things they love. #Type1Diabetes shouldn’t limit you from living your life how you wish to.

I am optimistic about the future of technology and diabetes as I have already seen progression in the eight years since I was diagnosed. For example, new NICE guidelines have recommended wider access to Flash and CGM with people living with #Type1Diabetes. Now, supposedly ‘all children with type 1 diabetes should have access to a CGM’ which shows that technology is starting to become more inclusive.

However, it's now a matter for health services across the UK to put this into practice and make it a reality. Although I have a CGM on my repeat prescription it's almost impossible to find a pharmacy that has them in stock.

The only way change can happen is if we stand together and make our voices heard, which is why the #DiabetesTechCantWait campaign is so important. Together we can make a noise that decision-makers can’t ignore and we can influence policies and advocate for better access to healthcare such as tech, diabetes management and support services.

My time taking over Diabetes UK’s channels today is nearly over, so I wanted to finish up by sharing this video I made showing how I use my CGM!

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing my story today and will consider supporting the #DiabetesTechCantWait campaign, to help Diabetes UK fight to ensure everyone can access the tech they’re eligible for – no matter who they are and where they live.

Originally posted on DiabetesUK