My daughter Isabelle was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 3. After being misdiagnosed with a gastro bug I took her to A&E for a second opinion which resulted in a rushed trip to starship and shortly after a type one diagnosis.

We had no idea what diabetes was all about, we had heard the word but had no knowledge at all. It was a huge shock and very scary and all we had access to was finger pricks which was terrifying and we would constantly be checking her during the day and while she slept.

After about a year we trailed the Libre as it was the cheapest option and even then we could not afford it but had to make it work somehow. We are now using Dexcom G7 thanks to my dad who is financially supporting us to do so. If it wasn’t for my dad, we wouldn’t be able to afford this life saving technology that should be accessible to all type ones but especially children.

We have had many sleepless nights and scary moments and still have them with the CGM but the peace of mind with school and sleeping is worth every penny but unfortunately not sustainable for a normal everyday kiwi family.

I hope every day that I will see an article saying that CGMs will be funded as it will make a stressful, worrisome life that little less stressful.

Thanks you for reading our story. Lauren (Mum to Isabelle age 5)