Living with T1D: How CGM gave Connor Flanagan more liberty in life

Diabetes care has come a long way in recent years. For those living with type 1 diabetes (t1d), that means significantly more freedom and flexibility in the way blood glucose is managed — and in the way life is lived. We recently caught up with Connor Flanagan, who's been living with t1d since age 15, to discuss how his care has changed over the years to help him live life to the fullest.

A diabetes diagnosis can feel isolating, especially for teens

Teens have strong emotions, and they generally care deeply about fitting in with their peer group. Any medical diagnosis during the teen years can be upsetting — but with the life-altering nature of a t1d diagnosis, teens can feel especially isolated. "I was definitely shocked. I didn't know anyone who had diabetes, so I felt alone. I was really scared, really nervous...had no idea what I was actually walking into," Connor said. As a newly diagnosed teen, Connor not only had to learn to pay careful attention to his food choices but was also doing fingerstick blood glucose testing up to eight times a day.

Diabetes technology reduces the need for fingersticks

The first professional continuous glucose monitor (CGM) became available in 1999, and in 2005, the FDA approved the first CGM for use at home. However, it wasn't until 2021 that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved reimbursement for CGM use by its beneficiaries. Often, private insurance companies look to CMS policies to inform their own — so CMS approval of CGM opened the door for many people to access continuous glucose monitoring technology.

Like many others living with t1d, Connor shared how the use of CGM technology, in addition to a pump, has dramatically improved his quality of life. "My life has changed for the better just from using CGM in general — I no longer have to check my blood sugar every couple of hours, and there's a lot more data at my disposal," he said. "I have that peace of mind of knowing 'Am I in between the lines? And if so, what actions do I need to take before it gets too dire?' CGM technology has provided me with tons of freedom. I now have the ability to use the technology to its fullest, and it's definitely given me a lot more liberties to be more adventurous."

CGM supplies can be delivered to your home

People living with t1d can benefit from having CGM equipment and supplies sent directly to their homes. This is the case for Connor, who talked about the convenience of obtaining CGM supplies from Edgepark. "The last thing you want as a diabetic is to run out of supplies because being able to monitor your blood sugar at every minute of every day is crucial," he said. "I chose Edgepark because I feel like they're always looking out for my best interests. They ensure that everything gets to me when I need it. It's at my doorstep without any questions, so there's definitely more flexibility and liberties in living my life."

Edgepark offers a full range of diabetes supplies, including CGM equipment, and they can manage the order process on your behalf- calling your healthcare provider for a prescription and verifying your benefits. Learn more here.

Interested in learning more about CGM technology and whether it's the right fit for you? Check out this article with all the basics.