Living with T1D: How John uses diabetes technology

Keeping track of blood sugar readings, dosing insulin, counting carbs, and all the "do" and "don't" rules of living with type 1 diabetes (t1d) can feel like managing a science project. A diagnosis of t1d can be surprising, especially if there is no family history of diabetes.

However, advances in diabetes technology allow people living with t1d to enjoy more freedom from managing daily care. In this video, John Durkalski, who was diagnosed with t1d at age 25, shares the newfound freedom he experiences using diabetes technology — a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump.

In the video, John explains, "I had no idea what diabetes was or what it was about. Everything was just new to me. Everything was a learning process. From taking shots in the morning to what I should be eating, what I should not be eating. What I should be drinking — what I should not be drinking."

Transferring emotions into positive actions

Living with t1d means experiencing a wide range of emotions — including daily ups and downs. Feelings of disbelief, anger, or guilt about the cause of the diagnosis are common.

Lift your mood by transferring feelings into positive actions like regular sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and self-care activities like meditation, gardening, spending time in nature, socializing with friends and family, or participating in sports.

According to the American Diabetes Association,1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Yet, many individuals living with t1d who never suspected they had diabetes — like John — adjust to care routines supported by consistent actions, support, and education from healthcare professionals.

Ongoing contact with a primary care physician, endocrinologist, nurse educator, dietitian, and other professionals can give you a confidence boost. In addition, many health systems, like the University of Michigan, offer support groups in person or online where you can share experiences and information with others diagnosed with diabetes.

Using diabetes technology for peace of mind

John enjoys gardening, running with his wife, and other outdoor activities. Exercise and continuous activity have an effect on blood sugar levels that are more easily managed when combining the use of a CGM with an insulin pump.

Managing diabetes can be a team effort with a family or a spouse. Using diabetes technology places you and your family in control by having information about blood sugar and insulin dosing at your fingertips. While thoughts of using technology might be intimidating, the long-term benefits and freedom can raise your spirits and result in positive thoughts about simplifying diabetes management.

According to John, "The freedom that a CGM has provided is just fabulous. Now I can just pull this — what I call a reader — out of my pocket, and it will give me my blood sugar reading. So it does give me a lot more freedom."

According to John's wife, Jan, "A CGM makes it so much quicker to get the information you need to decide whether or not you need to eat or whether or not you need to increase your insulin dose on your pump. It's almost instantaneous."

Finding the proper support to increase confidence and reduce worry

Managing day-to-day diabetes care and making certain that the proper supplies are on hand is critical. The ability to order medications and supplies online through Edgepark streamlines the process, and you'll know you'll have the right products at the right time.

"So it's nice working with a company like Edgepark that's on top of it — and they're ahead of the game," says John. "I can rely on them, and I can trust them to order the supplies that I need, when I need them, and what kind of supplies I need, too. Edgepark makes it easy for me to reorder my supplies because I'm on this automatic renewal system, and so they will alert me like a month ahead of time."

If you are considering the use of a CGM and insulin pump, consult your doctor. Then contact Edgepark to identify the next steps to transition to managing diabetes using technology to provide more freedom in your daily life.

Learn more about the experiences of other Edgepark customers diagnosed with t1d by watching videos featuring Connor Flanagan, Bridie Carroll Srsen, and Connor Strand.