Kelli Shackleton
Being diagnosed with Type 1 at such a late stage, how did this impact your life?
My T1D diagnosis last year, at the age of 41, was definitely a curveball that sent mine and my family’s whole world into a spin. I had to quickly adjust to a new way of being, one that would be my new normal, and then somehow merge this into my family’s crazy busy lives.
Adjusting to diabetes was and still is a complex daily task, particularly being such an active person, and busy mum of 3. It takes a lot of preparation to get through daily activities and makes spontaneous things a little trickier.
Being an active, health and nutrition conscious individual pre-diagnosis, made my diagnosis seem even more unfair, but reaffirmed to me that this condition can affect anyone, at any time. But then I came to feel that these habits put me a jump ahead in my diabetes management.
Adjusting to diabetes was and still is a complex daily task, particularly being such an active person, and busy mum of 3. It takes a lot of preparation to get through daily activities and makes spontaneous things a little trickier.
Being an active, health and nutrition conscious individual pre-diagnosis, made my diagnosis seem even more unfair, but reaffirmed to me that this condition can affect anyone, at any time. But then I came to feel that these habits put me a jump ahead in my diabetes management.
As a mother of 3, how has diabetes changed the familial relationship?
Being a role model for my children has always been important to me, helping them build healthy life habits too and even more so now. They can see the importance of taking care of your health, they see the daily struggles I have but hopefully they see how I rise above them. Being able to adapt, learn and continue to grow is a life lesson for all.
The expansion of subsidised CGMs through the NDSS CGM Subsidy program was incredible in my complex world of diabetes management. Dexcom G6 helped me and those around me feel more secure. It takes a lot of the uncertainty out of my day, alerting me to try and avoid the horrible feelings that can come from a low or high. The use of Dexcom G6 allows me to make better decisions. With my Dexcom system, I can rest more easily and not worry as much about slipping too low during my sleep because Dexcom has my back now 24/7 and will notify me!
The expansion of subsidised CGMs through the NDSS CGM Subsidy program was incredible in my complex world of diabetes management. Dexcom G6 helped me and those around me feel more secure. It takes a lot of the uncertainty out of my day, alerting me to try and avoid the horrible feelings that can come from a low or high. The use of Dexcom G6 allows me to make better decisions. With my Dexcom system, I can rest more easily and not worry as much about slipping too low during my sleep because Dexcom has my back now 24/7 and will notify me!
What are some learnings you have had in your diabetes journey so far and what are youmost looking forward to from here?
No days are the same, no days are easy. Now I prioritise listening to my body, I battle to keep it level every day. I have been plant-based, and sugar-free for 4 years! I was healthy and fit before my diagnosis, sometimes it feels like a kick in the guts. Having a new perspective on diabetes since my diagnosis, and like myself I realised most people truly don’t understand Type 1 and the daily impact it has, there are a lot of misconceptions around it. And that’s why I want to help the world to really see Diabetes, to recognise the strength and resilience it takes for every person with type 1 to show up each day with a smile. It isn’t always as easy as it seems. I never thought I’d be a mathematician, dietitian, doctor or artificial pancreas when I grew up… but here I am - nailing it (well, mostly).
What drives you further to raise awareness for Type 1 in the community and how hasyour work as a preschool teacher helped in amplifying the message?
Working as a preschool teacher, I am always on the go and my Dexcom system has helped me feel more safe and in control. It provides a visual talking point which opens opportunities to educate and share diabetes awareness with the children, colleagues and families. They have been so inclusive of my new diagnosis. They often ask questions or to see my levels, and I have received immense support from colleagues and children taking an interest in getting to understand my diabetes management and how to help when needed.