Diabetes Awareness Month: Knowledge and gadgets key to improving my health

[DCUK NewsBot]

A Diabetes Forum member has attributed "knowledge and gadgets" to controlling his diabetes and significantly boosting his health. As we continue to showcase a success story every day for Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re featuring Diabetes Forum user ElkBond, who has type 1 diabetes. In a post from June, ElkBond said: "Since my original Diag (diagnosis) two whole years ago I have not had a single 'red' HbA1c, and this is completely down to two things: Knowledge and Gadgets!" ElkBond uses the term 'red' HbA1c to describe levels outside of the healthy range and 'green' to be within the healthy range. The post explains how when ElkBond, an industrial designer, was first told he had the condition, he felt "a little lost". At the time the 24-year-old said he was given "minimal information" about type 1 diabetes and was "a little worried" about what the future held. It was not until ElkBond found Diabetes.co.uk that things started to get clearer and he began to follow a low carb diet. He said: "I skimmed this forum, started learning, then joined. While I have been a little distant this year I still skim now and then. I will make an effort to comment and help more, as it really does provide insight to others (I hope my insight is worth it!)" But now, ElkBond said he feels more in control of his condition and it has certainly paid off when it comes to his HbA1c levels. "I want to stress to anyone reading this who is having a bad day with their levels that it’s not [a] walk in the park but staying 'green' is possible and worth it. If a 24-year-old who had to be told the difference between a type 1 and 2, two years ago can go 'green' after a month anyone can!" Visit our News section for the rest of the success stories we have celebrated throughout Diabetes Awareness Month.

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[kitedoc]

I applaud Elkblond's success but note that over years it does become more difficult to keep up the 'good work'.
For us Type 1's though, potential successes with use of closed loop systems with insulin pumps seem very promising, though the cost and complexity of the technology may be beyond many of us type 1s at present. (just my take on things, I am happy to be proved wrong)!!!