Harriette: I am no longer as anxious about going low unexpectedly

I was diagnosed with T1D in 2001. I had just turned 6 years old. I think of diabetes as a marathon, not a sprint. I do what I can to avoid diabetes burn out. Along with my team of specialists, I work with a health psychologist to focus on mindfulness and self-compassion as part of my diabetes care.

I started buying the Freestyle Libre FGM five years ago. It’s been a complete game changer. Not only has my control become steadier, but I am no longer as anxious about going low unexpectedly. I can now keep an eye on my blood sugars effortlessly, with a touch of a button. When I was first diagnosed, my blood tester took a full minute to process the result. We’ve come a long way.

Diabetes doesn’t define me. I’m not a diabetic, I’m a person with diabetes. I work in the film industry, as a director. Having access to a FGM sensor means I can achieve massive days on set without it having a negative impact on my diabetes.

It’s horrific that only people with a disposable income have access to this life saving technology. The first thing I do when I get an invoice paid is purchase more sensors. I prioritise that cost before rent, before petrol, before groceries.

Nobody chooses to be a diabetic and having T1D isn’t the result of anything we’ve done. But it feels like we’re being punished for having diabetes when we’re not provided access to technology that would have such a positively impact, and ultimately put less of a strain on our healthcare system.