Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can’t believe it’s 2022 already. I think everyone says that at the beginning of a new year, but it’s so true.
Reflecting on last year, it was a particularly crazy year for me. My whole life changed in the last few months, and I had to deal with learning to live with LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults), crazy side effects from medicines, and learning to manage a new diabetes diagnosis.
Some moments have been notable for me, and I appreciate taking this time for reflection.
Every year, I write a few reflective posts on the year, and in this one, I wanted to focus on how my FreeStyle Libre 2 system helped me live life in 2021.
Traveling
After getting vaccinated, I finally felt comfortable enough to get back on the road and travel both for work and personal pleasure. Getting to see magical and majestic landscapes was so helpful for my mental health after being stuck at home for so long.
What I loved about traveling was that I never had to worry about fingersticks* with my FreeStyle Libre 2 system. I could scan before I got on the plane and check my numbers during the flight.
Traveling is sometimes hectic and frustrating when you have diabetes. However, I’m glad my FreeStyle Libre 2 system helped me focus on the journey. I even got to see a concert without much interruption (although I did go low at one point and had to stop dancing for a minute!). My personalized reminders allowed me to stay in the moment while still managing my diabetes.
Getting in tune with my health
As many of you know, I’ve been readjusting to my LADA diagnosis this past year. It has come with its rollercoaster of emotions and frustrations. But as I adjust to new treatment options, I really appreciate having a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to guide me.
As my needs – like insulin and different medications – have changed, I’ve been scanning more frequently, and I have greater glucose control by charting my numbers and understanding how and why different factors may affect my levels.
That has been an absolute comfort for me as I change things up and makes conversations with my endocrinologist so much easier. The FreeStyle Libre 2 system helps me make informed decisions based on my data.
Finding joy in the small stuff
I can’t tell you how beautiful it is to see the joy in the tiniest moments. Sometimes it feels like just waking up every day is enough.
Diabetes can sometimes make you feel like you’re micromanaging your body and criticizing everything about yourself. However, using the FreeStyle Libre 2 system helps me take a little bit of the focus off of my diabetes and enjoy the little things a lot more.
Knowing that I don’t have to obsess over my numbers all the time because of the optional real-time high and low glucose alarms† on my phone‡§, has become a helpful way to stay grounded – I know I’ll be alerted only when I need to be!
When I reflect on 2021 and how much has changed, one of the things that I could rely on most was my CGM. Being on #TeamFreeStyleLibre has helped me feel more confident in my diabetes management, and also gives me room to breathe. After all that’s happened in the past couple of years – the room for less stress is so needed.
* Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol in the first twelve hours.
† Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual for more information.
‡ The FreeStyle Libre 2 app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView
§ Medicare coverage is available for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is used to review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply. Abbott provides this information as a courtesy, it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.
Visit https://www.freestylelibre.us/safety-information.html for safety information.
