Typical teenager rebellion I guess, but reflecting back, I had no idea about monitoring my condition and how it could be managed or incorporated into an active life, instead of taking over my life. I feared that it would stop me being the active, sporty, outgoing person that I was, and to be honest I worried that I would be treated differently because of it!
As the years progressed, knowledge and education were powerful.
The best present
A big breakthrough came around five years ago by way of a random Christmas present from my boyfriend. At the time, it didn’t seem like a very romantic Christmas present, but in hindsight it was the most thoughtful of gifts I’ve ever received.
Yes my boyfriend bought me a diabetes-related present: an Abbott FreeStyle Libre system including sensors and the starter kit. Little did I know how life-changing this flash glucose monitoring system would be for me.
My busy life
Well - I am a primary school teacher living in Dublin. No two days are ever the same. I adore my busy job. My break times are short so having the FreeStyle Libre sensor is efficiency at its best! I can effortlessly scan my sensor using my phoneΔ en route to lunch break, allowing me to make quick decisions and prioritise things.
I can also discreetly scan my sensor during class. When I am out for a walk with my dog or a run, I can scan prior to exercise and even during it to ensure that my glucose levels are within range. It is great peace of mind and it allows me to identify patternsφ and eliminates the guess work!
A new adventure
Oh and to add to the mystery of no two days being the same, I am pregnant and due my first baby in September so things are going to get very busy. The FreeStyle Libre sensor has been amazing in terms of sharing data with my maternity hospital teamǁ. They look at my graphs₼ and offer advice over the phone each week in relation to my insulin ratios and glucose control.
This technology and data have provided so much information during my pregnancy to my healthcare team, giving both the healthcare team and I huge peace of mind, in particular during a global pandemic.
As a first-time expectant parent, it has been so reassuring to have detailed information to provide to my healthcare team, which allows them to provide me with optimum care. Using my FreeStyle LibreLink appΔ, I can add in notes, anything that I might alter the following day and log my carbohydrates and insulin taken each day.
My superpower
People often ask me if diabetes has ever stopped me achieving my hopes and dreams. With the amazing advances in technology, I can honestly say that it hasn’t. Nowadays I view my diabetes as being something to be proud of.
Type 1 diabetes is all about balance. It is a constant learning curve and a bit of a rollercoaster. I love raising awareness about the condition and encourage conversations about the topic. This led me to setting up my Instagram account.
I have a job that I love, am expecting my first baby and am keeping active and healthy. With the FreeStyle Libre system there is no more guess work. It gives me peace of mind and an inner strength and power that make me who I am. Type 1 diabetes is my superpower!
Mairéad Parker is a primary school teacher in Dublin and a FreeStyle Libre Ambassador. You can follow Mairéad on Instagram @type1_muinteoir
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