TAD - Talking About Diabetes event - London

When I found out I had Type 1 diabetes four years ago I  felt isolated and confused.

I desperately wanted to meet a fellow Type 1 and pick their brains over a coffee.

Those first few months were hard as I navigated my way through appointments, multiple daily injections and counting carbs. I was googling far too much & scaring myself about what the future may bring.

Four years on and Type 1 is very much a part of my life but I know it and live with it that little bit better. I’m armed with some excellent kit - a Medtronic 640g insulin pump and a Freestyle Libre. I’ve shared my diagnosis story with NICE in the hope of improving care, I work with Diabetes UK and recently attended and photographed the TAD (Talking About Diabetes) event in London. Every day is a tricky balance with Type 1 but I’ve taken ownership of it.

It’s the first time I’ve been to TAD. I’ll sum it up as an incredibly inspirational and bonding full-day event. It made me feel special to be part of such a supportive community of Type 1s.

Amongst the speakers were the actor James Norton. Diagnosed at 22, James said he never felt Type 1 would be a stumbling block in his career. He spoke of tackling hypos on stage and how he sews an extra pocket into his costumes to hold hypo snacks.

Another speaker was Boxer Muhammad Ali who made boxing history on 9th May 2018 after becoming the UK's first Type 1 diabetic to be granted a professional licence by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBOfC). Such a warm, funny guy, full of positivity.

Amy Stevens (pictured below) was diagnosed aged 2. She spoke about her experiences growing up with Type 1 diabetes, (recovering from) eating disorders and making peace with the condition. It was lovely to meet Amy and her mum backstage - Amy’s mum is also Type 1, diagnosed 5 years after her daughter.

Journalist Lauren Turner shared her story of being diagnosed and living with her condition. She proudly sported her Freestyle Libre with her beautiful Oscars dress on the red carpet of the ceremony.

Lauren Turner

Actress Jade Byrne presented her funny and moving play ‘Pricks’ clearing up a lot of the misunderstandings and misconceptions about Type 1. She’s just begun a UK tour of the play and you can find out more here.

Comedian/Actress Jade Byrne on stage at TAD

Cyclist Sam Brand from the Isle of Man took to the stage to talk about how he manages his Type 1 alongside his cycling career riding in the UCI Professional Continental team Team Novo Nordisk. He was diagnosed aged 10 and has not let it stop him from advancing his sporting career.

It’s no wonder TAD sold out in seconds. Events like this make such a difference to the Type 1 community. Friendships are made, reunions take place, advice is exchanged - you come away with a spring in your step knowing that so much is possible.

In a room full of hundreds of people who ‘get it’ it’s impossible to feel isolated with Type 1. As James Norton proudly told the audience of TAD, ‘we are stronger together.’ It certainly feels that way.

James Norton chatting to guests

James Norton and Dr Partha Kar

All images © Katie Collins

For more information on the annual event, head to http://talkingaboutdiabetes.co.uk

10 things having Type 1 diabetes has taught me

There’s a lot I can tell you about Type 1 diabetes.

For starters it's 24/7 and yes, I can still eat chocolate.

It's a total pain having to know your blood sugar ALL THE TIME.

Before I reach for something in the fridge I need to know what my blood sugar level is and that means doing a finger prick blood test.

I can sometimes be found in the kitchen at 3am drinking Coca-Cola to stop a hypo (low blood sugar). That can be pretty disruptive too.

But I don’t want this post to be doom and gloom. Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, I wanted to sit back and reflect on my time with Type 1.

It’s a condition that’s changed me in many ways and I’ve put together 10 things I have learned and am grateful for since being diagnosed 2.5 years ago:

1. Health is key - Type 1 is autoimmune so there’s nothing I could have done to prevent it. I now focus on looking after myself with balanced meals and regular walking. Type 1 has definitely made me pay more attention to my body.

2. I CAN have chocolate - Phew... My first thought on being diagnosed was that chocolate was out the window. I can eat chocolate as long as I inject for it though the best bet for me is to eat smaller amounts at a time.

3. I CAN eat out - sounds silly but when I was diagnosed this was a total nightmare, the same with takeaways. I would stress out at the size of portions -how would I know how much insulin to give? Now I look at menus online and in advance and I am upfront with the staff, explain I'm Type 1 and ask about the sizes of portions.

4. Relaxation is really important - massage used to be a luxury, now I see it as a necessity for helping me feel less anxious, relaxed and on top of things. I try to factor in a deep tissue massage every 4-6 weeks.

5. A support network is everything - even a Type 1 diabetic with good control has bad days. Days where you can eat the same food as the day before but for some unknown reason your blood sugars rocket or crash. Having  family and friends who you can talk to or offload to is really important. I still don’t know many people with Type 1 but having family who can listen when times are tough is amazing.

6. A good hospital team makes all the difference - a diabetes nurse you can call or email when times are rough, a dietician who can help you make changes to your diet, a consultant who listens and understands. A strong team is crucial.

7. Illness is tough - Flu is rough but for a diabetic it can be dangerous. Sickness bugs can play havoc with blood sugar (I have been in hospital twice needing a drip). I try to keep on top of sleep, eat plenty of fruit and veg and I always have the flu jab as soon as I can when flu season approaches.

8. An online support network - There’s an online network of Type 1 diabetics who help and support each other - I find this particularly on Twitter. There are monthly meet-ups, Twitter chats & Facebook pages you can join. Whilst you can feel like the new kid at school, it doesn’t last long as you gradually get to know others with Type 1.

9. The NHS is amazing - Since being diagnosed in 2015, I have been sent on a diabetes education course DAFNE and been given an insulin pump. This has cost the NHS over £5,000 and I don’t forget for a second how lucky I am to have these things along with the staff who have made it happen.

10. Don’t sweat the small stuff. OK, I do sweat the small stuff sometimes; we all do. But I’ve learned to live my life more, try new hobbies and activities, be grateful for each day and always try to focus on the positives. Type 1 diabetes is part of me now and I need to do my very best to look after myself physically and mentally. Looking for the positives and making the most of every day is crucial - simple as that.