Living with T1D: Bridie Carroll Srsen talks benefits of CGM

When I started living with type 1 diabetes (t1d) as a young boy, I didn't know anyone else who was handling the challenges of managing diabetes. I wish I'd been able to see this helpful video featuring Bridie Carroll Srsen. Formerly a Broadway performer, Bridie is now a stay-at-home mom living with t1d who has learned how to use advanced technology to help manage her diabetes effectively. Here are some of the key takeaways from her video and why they are so meaningful to me.

The tremendous value of CGMs

As far as I'm concerned, a CGM device, which gives people living with t1d the ability to instantly monitor blood glucose, is one of the most important developments in diabetes technology since the insulin pump. I think Bridie would agree with me. "Being able to have a CGM during pregnancy…was massively helpful to me," she says in the video.

Using a CGM continued to help her after her daughter was born. "My life is changed using a CGM. I could say it's like night and day," Bridie says. For one thing, when blood sugar is monitored continuously and she's able to easily keep track of it, she points out, it helps her save time and remove burdens by helping her "figure stuff out." She's referring to the constant need to determine how much insulin to take and how many carbs to eat. Accomplishing that is "so much easier" due to the use of her CGM, according to Bridie.

Overcoming misconceptions

Over the years, I've encountered people who've assumed that managing t1d is simple and that we have little to worry about as long as we infuse insulin and don't eat sugary foods. That's a misconception — matching the right amounts of insulin and foods, incorporating exercise into our routines, and other tasks are never-ending challenges for those living with t1d. As Bridie points out, "There is so much more to diabetes than...what people think. You give yourself insulin on a daily basis but...it's like a new math challenge, and it changes every day."

Easy access to diabetes supplies is crucial

Of course, even the best diabetes technology doesn't do us much good if it's difficult to find and order supplies. I used to trudge all the time to pharmacies when I ran out of insulin, syringes, and test strips. Now, living with t1d is much easier for people who can click on their laptops or mobile phones and order their supplies whenever they need them. In Bridie's case, she has high praise for her medical supplier, Edgepark. She says it's "super easy" to order and obtain supplies.

As anyone with t1d knows, "Type 1 is exhausting," as Bridie puts it. "You do not get a day off," she says. Having quick and easy access to a diabetes medical and supplies company like Edgepark that can provide the tools needed for diabetes management helps relieve the burdens of managing t1d.

Inspiring people with T1D

Too often, those with t1d — including myself — can feel down in the dumps when blood sugars get too high or too low, no matter how hard they try. It can feel like the constant need to control blood sugars and keep track of insulin infusions and foods imposes limitations on our lives. Thankfully, Bridie's video ends on a note of much-needed inspiration for people living with t1d. Don't let diabetes "stop you from anything," she urges.

For more information about utilizing a CGM device, check out this article on matching the best CGM to your lifestyle.