Two years ago, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
I was 28, and the path to a correct diagnosis was a frustrating battle lasting many months. My primary care doctor initially told me I was “too old” for T1D, so she suspected I potentially had Type 2 diabetes and prescribed basal insulin, metformin, and a BG meter. I initially refused the medication, but began testing my blood glucose. After reaching a level of 650 mg/dL, I accepted the diagnosis and started the medication. It was a turbulent time as I was losing weight and struggling, but I eventually accepted my new reality as a person living with diabetes after my blood work and my first endo appointment.
Today, I’m a completely different person who is now thriving while living with diabetes, fueled by an optimistic outlook and the amazing technology that has made my daily management a total game-changer.
Diabetes Technology Giving Me Control
I honestly don’t have to “think about” my diabetes much anymore, except when I’m eating a carb-heavy meal or exercising. The reason? The powerful diabetes devices I use every day, including:
- The Dexcom G7 gives me continuous blood sugar readings, which means I no longer have to prick my finger every 20 minutes. That alone is a massive win.
- The Omnipod 5 is my insulin pump, managing both my basal background and bolus mealtime insulin dosing, essentially acting as an external pancreas.
- Glooko is my true secret weapon. I love that the mobile app pulls data from my Omnipod, Dexcom G7, and even Apple Health into one place. This makes it incredibly easy for me to track patterns, and it’s an essential tool for my endocrinology team who can review my daily trends and help me fine-tune my care. Knowledge gives you control, and having all my health data centralized is the ultimate power-up.
Passion to Purpose: My Rewarding Journey with Team Glooko
Before I joined Team Glooko, I was already passionate about the diabetes space, staying up to date on new devices and scientific breakthroughs. That’s what drew me to Glooko’s mission to transform diabetes care for healthcare providers and people living with diabetes. Working here has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. The community, including the Glucose Gladiators, our employee resource group for people living with diabetes, is highly motivated to make life better for patients and clinicians alike.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
If I could give some advice to someone newly diagnosed, it would be this: Take it one day at a time and educate yourself. Also, be kind to yourself as it’s okay to have off days. Managing diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and you are not alone.
For anyone who doesn’t live with this chronic condition, I want you to know that diabetes feels more like a full-time job than a debilitating disease. Managing blood sugar is a complex, day-to-day process influenced by sleep, stress, exercise, diet, and hormones. It’s a constant juggling act — like a game — where you have to learn from both your wins and your mistakes.
To keep my blood sugar balanced and help make living with diabetes a bit easier on myself, I primarily focus on eating a minimal carb diet with plenty of meat and vegetables. My ultimate go-to meal is sashimi because it’s lean, delicious, and doesn’t require me to bolus insulin. This healthy eating plan works perfectly alongside resistance training and my daily routine, which includes walking my rescue dog, Dude, as the perfect, stress-free way to incorporate consistent, low-impact physical activity.
Major Takeaways on Living with T1D
Looking ahead, while a cure would be incredible, I think advancing diabetes technologies, like making CGMs and insulin pumps even more discreet and reliable, will have a huge impact on quality of life.
Ultimately, I think a lot about the insulin and variety of diabetes technologies we have today that make it possible for me to lead a full, normal life. Not more than a century ago, a diagnosis like mine was essentially a death sentence. I am incredibly grateful to have been diagnosed at a time when insulin therapy is available, technology makes managing my diabetes so streamlined and, thanks to the data Glooko provides, even simpler.
As we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month, I feel really optimistic about the future and the power of data to help endocrinologists improve care even more!