FreeStyle Podcast Series

In this episode we meet Ken Tait, psychotherapist, and Chair of Diabetes UK-Bromley. Ken lives with Type 2 and believes that if people support each other no matter which type of diabetes they live with, they can learn to manage their condition more effectively. He wants to raise awareness of the reality of life with Type 2, and says people with the condition should have equal access to diabetes technology.

After being diagnosed with Type 1 in 1979, Karl has also been living with a visual impairment for more than 20 years. He says technology has been “an absolute game changer” and has allowed him to take better control of managing his diabetes. He’s passionate about raising awareness of Type 1, inclusion, and accessibility of technology.

Teenager Johnny Bailey and clinical psychologist Deborah Christie examine the transition from paediatric to adult care services for young people living with diabetes. Johnny gets to “ask Dr Deborah” key questions about how to navigate this important time in his journey and gets tips on how to carry on living his best life.

From being diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of four, to learning how to manage her condition during her pregnancy, teacher Mairéad Parker explains how she’s learned to call diabetes her “superpower”.

Tune in to get a slice of farming life with Laura Yates. She was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 13, learning to live with diabetes while looking after the cattle and sheep on her family farm in Shropshire. Laura says she’s proud of the way she faces her challenges and wants to use her experience to empower others.

We spoke to extreme sports enthusiast Eoghan Quinn who has been living with Type 1 since the age of four and says the challenges give him a chance to show that diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back.

We chat to singer and actress Amelia Lily. She shot to fame aged only 16 but has been living with Type 1 since she was three years old. She says diabetes doesn’t have to stop you achieving your dreams.

Our podcast guest, award-winning TV producer Phil Bigwood, shares how his job has taken him to some of the biggest sporting events on the planet. Phil has lived with diabetes for more than 40 years and says it’s important not to stay silent about Type 1.

In this episode, we catch up with amateur runner and former Irish rowing champion Aoife Willis. Diagnosed at the age of 20, she recently reached a major turning point in her journey with Type 1. Aoife says she’s overcome her fears and while she has diabetes – it doesn’t have her.

In this episode we hear from “The Athletic Diabetic” Elise Quarrington and learn how she’s getting some help from a four-legged friend. Elise was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 24 and says learning to live with diabetes has made her stronger.