Mastering Diabetes Blog

HbA1c - we need to change the narrativeI finally dragged myself to get a blood test to check my HbA1c, unsure why I had been putting it off for so long. What was I afraid of? It’s just a number, right? The HbA1c test measures your average blood glucose over 2-3 months...

How to access Dexcom G5 CGM For less than half the NZ retail priceThe information I’m about to share isn’t a secret and is 100% legal, but interestingly as I write this I am a little nervous. Will I get in trouble for sharing this information? I’m not sure. Will ‘Big...

Our parents and caregivers are the MVP Our little man continued to cough violently and then vomit. Multiple times a night we ran into his room to cuddle and support him as he struggled to catch his breath. We’d then clean bedding and sick bowls and stumble back to bed...

When 'she'll be right' turns to troubleThe she’ll be right, I’ll worry about that later attitude when navigating Type 1 Diabetes has the potential to end in trouble. This can be hard to admit when you’re also striving to ensure this disease doesn’t consume every part...

What to do when it doesn't go to plan2020 was going to be our year! We’d made some pretty big changes on the home front, such as stepping away from my learning designer role to focus on our plumbing business and dropping to one wage.We were excited about being able to...

Farewell Diabetes NZ, I'm stepping aside.I recently stepped down from my role as the director of youth for Diabetes NZ. The role was created when I joined the team just over 2 years ago, to recognise, advocate and meet the specific needs of young people living with...

Living beyond T1D at music festivalsThere’s nothing better than dancing in the sunshine to live music. My arms high above my head, eyes shut, completely lost in the moment. I’m able to forget all responsibility and the many things I juggle as a parent, an employee,...

My first attempt at social media detoxWhen I joined the online Type 1 community a few years back, for the first time I felt ‘normal’. I was surrounded by people that got it. We shared, vented and celebrated the ups and the downs. I am so grateful for this community,...

Can making notes help you master diabetes?There can be a lot to take on board when learning to live well with type 1 diabetes. Everything from how to use a glucose meter, administer insulin, calculate the carbohydrate content of the cheese scone you’re about to...

Diabetes book recommendations from the T1D communityThe recent T1D Mastery book bundle giveaway included two fantastic books that have been part of my journey to master diabetes. (Bright Spots and Landmines - The diabetes guide I wish someone has handed me, Adam Brown...

T1D Mastery, helping others master Type 1 diabetesI was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 14 and since then have refused to let it define me. Back in 2015 when my normal diabetes regime stopped working, I felt like I could no longer control my diabetes. For...

How to support your supportersThe constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, calculating carbs and injecting insulin while safely navigating the endless list of factors that affect blood glucose, is simply part of living with Type 1 diabetes. Every diabetes warrior I...

Hosting a sugar free celebration when time is scarceI sent invites to our big and little friends that had been by our side throughout Felix’s first year. Friends that had delivered home cooked meals during those early months, organised play dates and catch-ups to...

Know the difference and live television!I jumped at the chance to appear on the AM show to discuss the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on behalf of Diabetes New Zealand. The AM show is a New Zealand morning news and talk show that airs on national TV...

My life with type 1 diabetes - it's a daily battle with no days off!MONIQUE FORD/STUFF Ruby and Hayden McGill, with 1-year-old Felix and 6-year-old Olive. Pregnancy presents a whole new level of difficulty for a type 1 diabetic.To mark World Diabetes Day I caught up...