Diabetes Squad

Ryan from Maryand, Virginia USA is our special guest for Episode 2 of Series 2. He’s our first international guest on the podcast, which is super exciting. 

Once I got my head around the time zone we found a Sunday afternoon (my time) to have a chat about all things Type 1. It’s been so enlightening hearing about his diagnosis and the health care over the pond. 

I really loved comparing devices and learning about the T Slim, which I  really hope arrives in the UK / London soon, maybe even in my postcode. 

Finding a community to be a part of can be rewarding in so many ways - even if we’re in two different countries it’s been so fab making a new friend for life.

Make sure you give Ryan a follow on Instagram - @type_one_ryan22

This is the first episode of Season two and we are kicking off with a conversation with professional therapist Merisha.

For me seeking the help and having talking therapy has been invaluable when dealing with all of life’s ups and downs - not to mention the management of my Type 1 diabetes.

We talk about the stigma surrounding mental health and also mention how massively important it is to be kind to yourself.

It's been so great to have a professional in this field on, to give us tips and a well needed sense of perspective. I hope you find some comfort and relief in this episode.

For more advise here is a link to the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

Also Mind, the mental health charity: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/how-to-find-a-therapist/

By popular demand (no, actually just because I love doing it) the Diabetes Squad podcast is back with season 2!

I have loads of super exciting and empowering conversations about Type 1 diabetes that I can't wait to share with you.

Here’s a little cheeky insight as to what’s to come in our new season...

Big thank you to everyone in this season:
Rachel @DiabetesSticks
Charlie @typeonestyle
Vanessa @diabetic_health_coach_
Juliet @type1untangled
Ryan @type_one_ryan22
Merisha Mistry

What a year for diabetes! At the end of 2022, and coincidentally the end of the first series of this podcast, I'm reflecting on all the things that have happened in the world of diabetes over the last 12 months.

From representation on TV and in films, to new technology, to the NHS making more technology available to so many more people, this year has felt like a real turning point.

But as well as the highs, there have been lows too (pun intended!).  I reflect on the things that haven't gone so well, and the frustrations I've had along the way.

It's certainly been an eventful few weeks in the world of diabetes.

I’ll be sharing three top stories with you, from the new immunotherapy available in the states, to Twitter wars with Eli Lilly, and finally I debate whether I should  think about a new type of glucose monitor - we're chatting Libre vs Dexcom.

Joining me this week will be my diabetes nurse Latchmi…. she's the expert on this kind of stuff!

Gosh, dating and relationships… how long do we have?! I guess in a nutshell dating is tricky already, what with the influx of dating apps and countless wedding invites with plus one. 

For me being a Type 1 Diabetic and wearing devices has definitely had its challenging moments…. months and years. 

Join me in conversation with Lottie and Matt, both non-diabetic with fully functioning pancreases, as we delve into my past and present.

I've always referred to my T1 diabetes as an unseen illness, because I do sometimes think that people don’t understand my pain when I'm having a hypo, especially on the London Underground!  I get quite self-conscious and I'm sure other commuters wonder why I’m inhaling fruit pastels.

Today I’ll be speaking to Emily, a friend who also understands this pain, but not as a T1 diabetic.   I've asked Emily to come on to talk about her crohn's disease diagnosis and how she manages it day to day.  It's a really eye-opening window into another condition and I think there are some shared experiences that are useful to diabetics too. 

Learn more and see advice by visiting https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/  

Fitness can feel like such a minefield when you have to manage your diabetes as well, so for the first of this two part special you get to join my boyfriend and I on the Cancer Research Shine Walk, which we did a few weeks ago.

Thirteen miles of walking takes around five hours, and that's a long time to be keeping active for anyone.  With sore feet, aching thighs, and some all round tiredness, checking my sugars regularly and having a constant supply of carbs ready was my tactic for at least keeping the diabetes in check.  But could I go all that way without a hypo? 

Having a best friend that also has diabetes (aka a diabestie!) has been a huge help to me over the years. 

Whether you have people around you who are understanding and supportive or not, type 1 diabetes can feel really isolating, so just being able to have a conversation with someone who totally gets it is so valuable.

When Julie and I met on a diabetes course (DAFNE) at Central Middlesex Hospital we instantly clicked, and she's been my diabestie ever since.

I'm so happy that I'm able to have these honest open conversations about diabetes, and I'd love to hear from you about your T1 experience too.  Please send a DM or, even better, a voice note on Instagram with anything you'd like to share.  My handle is @diabetessquad.

On 10 February 2007 Manisha's world changed forever.  

This episode is about the lead up to my diagnosis, the time itself, and how that fateful day over 15 years ago completely changed my outlook on life.

I wanted to start this series by sharing my story so you can hear where I'm coming from.  But this squad is all about creating a conversation, and I'd love to hear from you too.  Please send a DM or, even better, a voice note on Instagram with any thoughts or experiences you'd like to share.  My handle is @diabetessquad.