The FreeStyle Libre 3 has been cleared in Europe for anyone ages four and older. The new continuous glucose monitor is as small as two stacked US pennies, provides real-time readings directly to the mobile app via Bluetooth, and has the same low list price.
There’s no timeline yet for when it will be available in the US. For the fuller story, please see the piece (including video) on diaTribe.
diaTribe is also offering a free webinar open to all on the challenges of stigma and diabetes. October 13th 3 PM Pacific time/6 PM Eastern time. You can click here to register
October 3 you can tune in from anywhere in the world, as well as your loved ones. It will be held on the Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time, 12 – 8 pm East Coast time. If you’re a health professional, you’ll even earn CME credits.
You’ll find fully-designed conference hall, live Q&A discussions with experts, and real-time networking opportunities, this immersive experience will take you beyond just another webinar. Knowing Steve Edelman is at the helm, there will be a lineup of hilarious sketches and musical performances —all with the goal to educate, motivate and connect the T1D community during these challenging times.
Last week my friend drove me west to a studio in New Jersey. As we entered the building we were greeted with a thermometer check to take our temperatures and a bevy of people in masks and face shields. I was there to be taped for a health video that will play in doctor’s waiting rooms. I talk about about my story living with diabetes and give 4 tips (at the end) how people with diabetes can make their visit with their health professionals more successful. It was a blast!
The first stop in the long, low rise building was meeting the stylist. I was in her chair for an hour while she put on my camera make-up. Pots and pots of powders she dipped, brushed and brushed them again onto my face. The highlight was her careful insertion of wisps of eye lashes into my own. Only to be pulled off later that evening sitting outside at a local restaurant to celebrate my tiny stardom with the husband.
Groomed, my friend and I entered the studio where the six person crew awaited. They too were all in masks and face shields and did their utmost, quite admirably, to remain socially distanced from me and each other. I spent an hour reading my script off the teleprompter. It couldn’t be easier: the teleprompter was directly in my line of sight, and I could read at my own pace. The script stopped rolling when I stopped speaking.
After several readings the crew was happy, I practiced sitting and getting up, going off stage and coming back, adjusting my watch and glasses, all for them to frame me within the camera lens. These pictures are the result of my friend’s smarts as she watched off to the side while I was completely unaway she was taking them. Yes it’s hot under those lights. Imagine also being in a mask and face shield!
Once the 3 minute video is ready, (should be mid October,) I’ll post it if allowed. Below were my 4 tips for a successful visit:
1. Come with your “burning” question – and don’t wait til your hand’s on the doorknob to ask it.
2. After you discuss what you might do better, ask your doctor, “What am I doing well?” Feel good about it, this is hard work and you deserve congratulations.
3. Ask if there are any new medications or devices that can help you.
4. If you haven’t already, don’t leave without a referral for diabetes education classes. That’s 10 free classes, covered by Medicare and most health plans. Sometimes doctors are just too busy to tell us or forget.
I’ve been remiss at posting lately. I’ll blame it on my general horror and utter fatigue with what’s happening in this country, and the world. The West Coast is on fire, the White House is too, and it’s hard to keep truckin’ at times and not let it affect me. But, prevail we must.
On my walk today I listened to my friend, Valerie, who was interviewed by a lovely UK gentleman, Daniel Newman. Daniel launched The Talking Type 1 Podcast over the past several months and you can tune in for roughly a 40 minute discussion between him and his T1D guest. Daniel also has T1D and a lovely British accent.
Hearing his conversation with Valerie this morning, walking along my local park (thank goodness for the greenery) to my local library, was not only educational but soothing. Valerie and Daniel both exude calm. I learned more about Valerie’s ups and downs with her diabetes against the backdrop of an eating disorder she’s since moved past, what she’s learned and even a dip into health equity and social justice issues, her passion and work.
If you’re looking for people’s stories with type 1 diabetes, like to learn something whie you’re traveling or want to take a break from current events, have a listen. It will make your own journey with diabetes a little bit less bedeviled.
Spoiler alert: Valerie recommended Daniel also feature me on his podcast. That will likely be made available in the next few weeks and when it is I’ll post it here.
Diabetes Stories 