An Introduction To Hybrid Closed Loop: The Emotional (Part 2/2)

Type 1 on 1 | Diabetes Stories

The content in this episode of Type 1 on 1 should not be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended as a replacement for professional guidance. They are a true and authentic reflection of the personal experience of the host. Please speak to a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diabetes management, or if you feel you could benefit from emotional support.
This is part two of a two part series looking at hybrid closed loop insulin pumps. The first part is a technical overview, so be sure to start there!
Ok it's time to get personal about all things hybrid closed loop! At first glance it might not seem like an obvious topic - to talk about the emotional impact of using an automated insulin delivery (AID) system to manage type 1 diabetes... it's technology, right? A gadget? A means to an end?
But that ‘means’ is a system that has, for me, taken away so much of the wight and number of diabetes decisions, and that ‘end’ is not only better health outcomes, but a brighter, happier, calmer human who is better equipped to tackle life in all of its forms - being able to focus at work, spend time with family, or head off on the next adventure.
It’s not a cure, it’s not a magic solution, but it is space between my thoughts, time between my alarms and a version of myself that I’d only ever caught glimpses of in my 28 years of living with type 1 diabetes.
In this episode we get reallllly into my journey with type 1 diabetes tools - from injections and finger pricks, to moving onto a ‘regular’ pump, and then my most recent switch to hybrid closed loop and the way it has turned down the volume on a lot of the diabetes noise, allowing me to sleep better, live more and just feel more human.
So if you’re curious about what these gadgets can do for your life, this is the episode for you.
Disclaimer: I use the Omnipod 5 insulin pump with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor as my personal AID system. I have a professional relationship with both Insulet (Omnipod) and Dexcom, but the content of this episode is separate from those relationships. My Dexcom G6 is gifted as part of the Dexcom Warrior programme.
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS MENTIONED:
The blog post I wrote explaining what switching to a hybrid closed loop system has meant for me.
Episode with diabetes and psychology researcher Maartje de Wit.
Episode with Jen’s Mum!
Come and say hi to me on Instagram.
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SPONSOR MESSAGE:
Thanks to my episode sponsors Dexcom.
Pioneer and leader in Real-Time continuous glucose monitors, Dexcom's goal is to simplify and improve diabetes management for every possible person with diabetes.
They have a choice of systems, so you can find the right one for your lifestyle at https://www.dexcom.com/