The Lowcate  app, developed by Daia Diabetes , is designed to help people with type 1 diabetes share important information, including location and glucagon information, quickly if a person with diabetes experiences a severe low blood sugar episode. This app is currently only going to be available in the US. The idea is simple: the app links to a person’s continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and allows trusted contacts to see their blood glucose levels. It also shares key emergency information such as what type of glucagon the person uses, where it is stored, how to administer it, and the user’s location. This can be especially helpful for people who may not know much about diabetes, such as a new college or university roommate, colleagues, or friends. The developers spoke to the diabetes community while creating the app, carrying out more than 100 stakeholder interviews with people living with type 1 diabetes and others involved in diabetes care. Severe hypoglycaemia can have a real impact. In the United States, there are 100,000+ emergency room visits each year due to low blood sugar. The aim of Lowcate is to help reduce these emergencies by making it easier for others nearby to respond quickly. The app is classed as a low-risk software as a medical device , meaning it doesn’t provide treatment advice, but instead focuses on sharing useful safety information. One question is whether enough people with diabetes carry glucagon on a day-to-day basis for an app like this to work effectively. Although trends suggest that more people are carrying glucagon thanks to newer, easier-to-use options, is it enough for the app to be widely applicable? While the app could be useful for adults living independently, there has also been growing interest from parents of children with type 1 diabetes who want others close to their child to have quick access to emergency guidance. Lowcate is currently available on the iOS App Store in the United States and costs $5 to download. The developers are also actively looking for partners to help expand the project further and reduce this initial cost to users. If you want to look into this app, you can find out more here: https://www.lowcate.app/   https://www.instagram.com/lowcate.diabetes/?hl=en

This year I had the absolute privilege of returning to the International Diabetes Federation Europe’s Youth Leadership Lab, a camp I attended myself as a participant in 2017, but this year as a Senior Mentor. Held in the vibrant city of Parma, Italy, the camp brought together 20 young diabetes advocates from across Europe for a week of learning, connection and transformation.   The Mentor Hat As a Senior Mentor, my role was to help guide, support and empower both the mentors and participants as they develop their own advocacy. Throughout the week, I co-facilitated sessions on imposter syndrome in advocacy, communicating with decision-makers, and the risks of burnout and over-volunteering, all topics I am passionate about because they speak to the realities that so many diabetes advocates face. In my opinion, mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about holding space, it’s about listening, it’s about guiding people to find their own ideas and helping these ideas come to fruition. It’s about knowing when to step back to let others shine. Watching the participants grow in confidence, from nervously introducing themselves on day one, to standing tall while presenting their advocacy projects by the end of the week, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Mentors and faculty of the camp Flashmobs & Ravioli One of the things that makes this camp so special is how it balances serious conversations, that often can be quite emotional, with lighthearted fun. We talked about healthcare inequities, language in advocacy and systemic gaps, along with exploring personal experiences with diabetes, but we also danced in Parma’s city square during our flashmob, participated in a range of sporting activities, and learned to make homemade ricotta and spinach ravioli (and yes, it tasted amazing!). There’s something powerful about being in a space where everyone “gets it.” Advocacy can be heavy, but every meal and late-night conversation builds trust and friendship. In Parma before the flash mob Why It Matters The Youth Leadership Lab creates a unique space where young advocates with diabetes don’t have to explain themselves. Everyone already understands the language of lived experience. That means we can move past small talk and dive into meaningful conversations faster. It means young people can take risks, share stories, and try new things without fear of judgement. Participants leave with tangible skills: how to plan a project, communicate effectively, and navigate policy spaces. But more than that, they leave with a deeper understanding of themselves, as leaders, advocates, and individuals who deserve to be heard. Looking Ahead I left Parma with a full heart and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m endlessly grateful to IDF Europe, AGD Parma and ANIAD for creating such a transformative space, and to the participants for trusting us with their stories and energy. If you're a young advocate with diabetes looking for community and direction in your advocacy journey, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Whether you're stepping into your first campaign or dreaming bigger than ever before, this is where it begins. Me and my fellow Senior Mentor Kristinn

TAD (Talking About Diabetes) returned in 2025 with a bang - taking place Liverpool Everyman Theatre. The event was created in 2016 by the diabetes community for the community, and it featured a jam-packed day of storytelling, humour, talent, and heartfelt moments. The charismatic host Kamil Armacky, better known online as Nerdabetic , opened the day in a crisp white suit and promptly crowned himself the “Diabetic Elvis” - and to be fair, he lived up to it. From the moment he stepped on stage, the energy in the room was buzzing. The day brought together an impressive 2,854 years of lived experience with diabetes (yes, someone did the maths), reminding everyone they were far from alone. One of the organisers Adrian Long beautifully put it, “It’s so nice to come to an event and not feel like the odd one out.” Here’s a recap of the incredible moments and inspiring people who made TAD 2025 unforgettable. It is important to mention that TAD also serves as a fundraiser for the charity ' Life for a Child ', who provide essential supplies, including insulin, insulin pens and needles, and blood-glucose monitoring equipment to children across the work. They are currently supporting more than 57,700 young people in 48 countries. Please consider donating to this great cause at this link: https://tadtalk2025.raiselysite.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaecaPdQFQlsu3nt34x5mhAutadPdI0TpQQO1Wg48uhIYStJEjp7NkcLWMKy3w_aem_hrfXJj_QWd9Bo1FruIyaYA Jude Ewing - Peaks, Valleys and Possibilities Jude Ewing opened the day by sharing his diagnosis story - one that began in the Azad Kashmir region of Pakistan while he was working in earthquake relief. His life changed dramatically after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but he found a powerful outlet in the mountains. Jude has since climbed all 214 Lakeland Fells and used his journey to highlight the metaphorical “peaks and valleys” of living with type 1 diabetes. His message was clear: diabetes doesn’t limit you - you can still climb, achieve, and thrive. Sofa Chat #1 This panel discussion was chaired by Adrian Long, and it  brought together actors, advocates and educators: Jade Byrne , Martin Scivier , and Alice Merivale . Jade  shared her experience of living with ADHD and Type 1 diabetes while raising a family and juggling a creative career. She’s behind the beloved show Pricks  and is now working on Daisy Donald , a children’s book turned TV show. “My consultant said, ‘There’s no pattern to your diabetes,’ and honestly - same with my life,”. Martin , approaching his 71st diaversary , is a powerful voice for older adults with type 1. He highlighted the alarming lack of training in social care for type 1 diabetes and called for mandatory education  for care workers. “When I was diagnosed, they told my mum I’d live to 45 max,” he reflected. Alice , actor and teacher, champions visibility. “When I wore my insulin pump on stage during panto, so many people told me how much it meant to them. Representation really does matter - especially when it’s accurate.” The panel also touched on the weirdest things people had ever said to them. Jade recalled a date where someone asked if he could catch  diabetes. The highlight? The diabetes community . All three panellists agreed - connection, understanding and peer support were some of the best thing’s diabetes had brought into their lives. That and skipping queues at theme parks.   Diabetes: A Dual Perspective - David and Martha’s Story Father-daughter duo David and Martha  shared a heartwarming talk about supporting each other through life with type 1. Diagnosed at different stages of life, they compared their experiences, challenges, and strengths. Martha, reminded the audience that diabetes doesn’t stop her from smashing it at netball.   Sofa Chat #2 This panel discussion was chaired by Ellie Huckle , the second panel featured Dr. Andrew Nelson  and Kirsty Hallam , two professionals who live and work with diabetes. Kirsty , a youth worker at Alder Hey, has lived with diabetes for 27 years. She spoke about the bumps in the road during her teens and how supporting a struggling young person helped her find her calling. Andrew , now a clinical researcher, had his career shaped by his diagnosis. “I was set on surgery but ended up in diabetes research - it’s funny how life reroutes you.” Both panellists emphasised empathy, community, and technology  as lifelines. Andrew credited hybrid closed-loop systems for better quality of life. Kirsty spoke about the importance of respecting young people as experts in their own condition. They also didn’t shy away from workplace challenges—Kirsty once had a hypo mid-clinic while playing with a 5-year-old. Andrew, meanwhile, shared a touching story about a fellow diabetic driving through snow to get him pump supplies during a trip gone wrong.   Ashley MacLauchlan - From Screening to Medical School Ashley (Ash) MacLauchlan shared his unique story of testing positive for type 1 antibodies and being diagnosed seven years later , shortly after heart surgery. That experience became the spark for his medical ambitions, and he’s now working with the UK Islet Autoantibody Registry . His talk explored the potential of screening and early detection , and how lived experience can shape professional goals.   The talent of the Type 1 Diabetes Community After lunch, the crowd got to enjoy some well-deserved creativity: Lucas Mills , a young person with type 1, impressed everyone with his guitar skills. Rhea Norwood , known from Heartstopper , gave an emotional account of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 21. “A diabetic makes 180 additional decisions a day - and each one is an act of self-love,” she said. Rhea’s words reminded us of the emotional weight diabetes carries, especially in fast-paced industries like acting. Alex Tilsley  shared how he swapped dreams of becoming a commercial pilot (initially denied due to diabetes) for a career on the railway - and eventually became both  a train driver and  a licensed pilot. He’s now campaigning for policy change  to allow more people with diabetes to pursue train-driving careers.   Michael Cox - High Highs and Low Lows Rounding out the day, Mike Cox , a youth worker with Together Type 1 , delivered a powerful talk on acceptance, healing, and finding meaning through challenge. Diagnosed at 13, he’s had literal and emotional highs and lows, including a hypo that resulted in a head injury and mental health difficulties. Today, he uses his story to support others, climbing Kilimanjaro and working with young people who are finding their own way with diabetes.   Final Thoughts TAD 2025, which is my second time attending, was more than just a conference. It was peer support in action, a celebration of everyone speaking and everyone who attended, of shared experiences and understanding. It was refreshing to be in a room that didn’t gloss over the hard parts of living with diabetes and instead acknowledged the difficulties. I am so proud to be a part of the diabetes community in days like these.   Until next time, Alyssa x

Each year, IDF Europe hosts a youth leadership camp for young people age 18-30 living with diabetes. I attended the camp myself in 2017, when it was hosted in Romania, and I gained so many skills. It is am amazing opportunity for young people to gain skills, friends and opportunities, as well as belong to a community of advocates from across Europe. The Youth Leadership Lab brings together more than 20 like-minded young people with diabetes from across Europe for a 6-day camp, and some of the activities of the camp may include: Educational sessions on engaging in advocacy, policy etc Mentorship from previous participants of the camp Sports activities Social engagement with other participants ...and much more. Each year it is held in a different location in Europe, hosted by local diabetes associations, and has previously been hosted in places such as Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Serbia. Following attending the camp, participants automatically get added to the YOURAH community, a community of YLL alumni. This year's camp will be held in Parma, Italy, with the applications being open for young people aged 18-30 with all types of diabetes. To apply, you'll need your local diabetes association to recommend you (I got my recommendation by Diabetes UK), and the application deadline is the 21st March. If your interested, you can find out more here - https://idf.org/europe/what-we-do/youth-activities/ylc-yll/ I asked my friend Sophie Miller, a participant of the YLL 2024 in Serbia, to discuss her experience of attending the YLL: "The youth leadership lab brought many feelings of happiness, hope, acceptance and friendship, but above all its instilled a motivation to be part of advocacy projects that have an impact on the whole diabetes community. Having the opportunity to meet young advocates from across Europe is something I will always be grateful for and my life has changed for the better because of this. As one of the younger participants, I felt so inspired during the time in Serbia and I left with friends, but also mentors. The people made the camp what it was and I learnt so much from the workshops organised by IDF Europe, but also from the small conversations walking between sessions or at dinner. Several months later I still look back at that time for motivation and the lessons I learnt will stay with me throughout my advocacy journey." Myself and Sophie during the YLL in Serbia The 'Youth Leadership Lab' programme is an excellent place for young advocates to get inspired and gain skills, and I couldn't recommend applying enough. Good luck with your application! Until Next Time, Alyssa x Me attending my YLL in Romania in 2017

I first interacted with Konna, a doctor from Greece, last year, when she interviewed me for the podcast ‘Global Diabetes Insights’. Following this, we both attended IDF Europe’s Youth Leadership Lab, Konna as a participant and me as a mentor. During this event, me and Konna spoke about her job as a doctor, and how difficult it can sometimes be balancing her job and her diabetes. I thought it would be an excellent insight to share, so please enjoy this guest blog from Konna! Until Next Time, Alyssa x I've always considered diabetes to be a 24/7 unpaid job, and medical residency is similar, where your job often tends to define your life. You face personal limits, both physical and psychological, and have to challenge yourself to show up no matter how stressed, tired, or burnt out you are. Being a medical doctor with Type 1 Diabetes is something I have found quite challenging. There are really hard days where my blood glucose just doesn't cooperate. Trying to balance the frustration of T1D and the stress of my work, I end up analysing every situation to ensure I make the best possible decision. For example, if I know that the next few hours will be physically demanding, I ensure I lower my background insulin, and that I eat/drink some extra sugar to avoid a low blood sugar (a hypo). Hypos are my enemy at work, and sometimes my efforts to avoid them in turn lead to high blood sugar. Something I never expected is that when I'm at work, there are moments when diabetes doesn't affect my psychology as much as it would in my regular life. Being overfocused on my work reduces the attention I dedicate to diabetes. I have to highlight that I've never neglected my diabetes care due to work.  Something I never expected to happen in my job is that I have less time to dedicate to managing my diabetes. I have never neglected it due to my work, but the high pressure environment of my job, and being overfocused on my work, makes it difficult to give it as much headspace as I would like. My diabetologist, who also happens to have Type 1 Diabetes, always says to me: “It takes only 2 minutes to focus on Blood Glucose, please don't forget it”, and he is right. I often overestimate the time I need to dedicate to my diabetes, and if I break it down, it's only 2-3 minutes 4 to 5 times a day. At the end of the day, when one demanding shift is over, and I see that I managed to keep my BGs in range, I feel extremely proud of myself. If you don't have diabetes, the feeling of having kept your blood sugar in range and being successful in your diabetes management, whilst also giving quality care of your patients, cannot be described. I am still building my professional identity, and I know it's a long journey, to also learn how to fully take care of myself during work whilst living with type 1 diabetes. I hope that one day all this effort will bring me closer to my fellow diabetic patients. I dream that the blend of my medical knowledge and personal experience with type 1 diabetes will enable me to offer a truly holistic approach to their care.

In recent years in the diabetes world, technology has advanced so much, and it has meant that people reliant on insulin can get greater control and quality of life. If you are lucky enough to be offered an insulin pump with hybrid closed loop, and have the choice between different brands, it can be hard to decide which brand to go for, especially as each pump has different features that are hard to compare. Luckily for us, the Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) Forum UK have made a handy chart for healthcare professionals, available on their website and also accessible to patients. It compares five different brands of pump that offers Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) to help people make informed choices. The 5 brands it compares all available on the NHS (although these differ from health board to health board), and these include the Medtronic pump and Medtronic CGM, Tandem T-slim and Dexcom, Dana pump and Dexcom, Ypsomed with Dexcom or Libre CGM, and Omnipod with Dexcom or Libre CGM. Find below the chart to help you make an informed decision: Until Next Time, Alyssa x

As November begins, bringing with it Diabetes Awareness Month, I find myself reflecting on a moment that still feels surreal—I was named in the Young Women’s Movement 30 Under 30 list! The recognition is an honour I am beyond grateful for, especially as it highlights the work I've been doing in the diabetes advocacy space. But what’s truly exciting is that it’s not just a personal milestone; it’s a platform to elevate the awareness that our community so urgently needs. And there’s no better way to kick off this month than by celebrating both the progress and the continued journey of diabetes advocacy. Here is my profile on the 30 under 30 list, but please also check out the other amazing women in Scotland who have made this list!: https://www.youngwomenscot.org/30-under-30/alyssa-faulkner/ Where We’ve Been, and Where We’re Headed Over the years, the diabetes advocacy community has achieved so much, pushing forward vital conversations about accessibility, funding, and education. There is still so much work to do, and it seems like a never-ending task, with obstacles popping up constantly, but diabetes advocates will and are helping to shift the needle in issues such as accessible treatment, education, and affordable medication. This is why Diabetes Awareness Month exists—it's an annual reminder that raising awareness is a journey. During November, we amplify voices and stories that show how diabetes affects real lives and what we can do to make meaningful change. Each day, each post, and each conversation helps spread awareness and, ultimately, drives us closer to a world where everyone impacted by diabetes can access the resources they need.   The Teamwork Behind Every Effort One thing I’ve learned in advocacy, and something that my recognition in the 30 Under 30 underscores, is that none of this work is a solo effort. Every initiative, campaign, and conversation I’ve been a part of has been supported by a community. Whether it’s a friend who shares their lived experience, mentors who provide guidance, or those who follow, support and amplify our message, diabetes advocacy is woven together by many hands and hearts. This collaboration is what strengthens our efforts. In diabetes advocacy, everyone brings something to the table: healthcare professionals, researchers, policy advocates, and, of course, people living with diabetes. Each voice and contribution matters, as it makes our shared message louder and our reach broader. When we come together as a community, we’re stronger, and our advocacy gains impact.   As I look ahead to this month, I feel incredibly grateful for the recognition from the Young Women’s Movement, but even more so, I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep pushing for progress. Diabetes awareness and advocacy may begin with the efforts of a few, but it’s made powerful by the many who step up, speak out, and join together. Here’s to a month of awareness, action, and the incredible strength that community brings. Let’s keep going, because together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

Imagine. You’re a volunteer on a night shift at a diabetes camp, on a shift with a nurse, and an alarm goes off. There is a corridor full of children with type 1 diabetes, all with sensors and many with Insulin Pumps. You have a debate about whether it is Dexcom or Medtronic. You complain that all Dexcom alarms can be different and it makes it confusing. You decide you need to check all the devices. You finally find the culprit in the last room. You find a Medtronic pump alarming and vibrating that says ‘sensor updating’. No further action needed. Until the next alarm… This past week I have been volunteering at a Diabetes UK Type 1 Event, a camp held near Perth, Scotland. 36 children and young people attended, age 11-15, all with type 1 diabetes. As a general volunteer, I have to do 1 night shift at the camp, accompanying a nurse, to ensure that all children are okay during the night, after a day full of activities, different foods and general excitement. Doing the night shift is a hard slog, it feels like an alarm goes off every 2 minutes, and you have to figure out: 1. Which type of device was it, 2. Which room it came from, 3. Do we have to wake up the child to treat the problem. As a general volunteer, my job is not to treat any medical problems, so instead I support the nurses by listening intently for signs of life and alarms, giving them hypo treatments and finger prickers where needed. It may not sound hard but trying to ensure that 36 diabetic children make it through the night can be a stressful job! I think that one thing never discussed about diabetes is the interruption that it can have on your sleep. Someone without diabetes can go to bed, sleep all night and feel refreshed in the morning. Someone living with type 1 diabetes can go to sleep, have a low or high blood sugar alarm, have a signal loss alarm, even have a failed sensor, and have to fully wake up after an insistent alarms to deal with the problem. That’s not even taking into account the physical effects on your body that having low or high blood sugar causes. Night shift on a camp is a very humbling experience. Seeing children being woken up, and whilst they are half asleep they are forced to eat sugar to treat a low blood sugar, give some insulin or drink water for a high blood sugar. And none of them complain. They all accept that it is something they need to do, then just roll over and go straight back to sleep. I think it is a hard concept to conceptualise, as someone without diabetes who is woken up multiple times in the night would be harping on about how tired they are the night morning, but someone with diabetes often just gets on with it. Diabetes camp is such an amazing opportunity for the children. Although they get woken up by the night nurses, it is a shared experience that everyone has to endure. They get to bond with peers who understand what it is like. It is amazing to watch and be a part of an often life changing moment for them, who leave with more knowledge of diabetes, a feeling of normalcy and friends for life. Until next time, Alyssa x

I wrote a blog for Dexcom, who makes the CGM that I wear. The blog discusses my use of the Dexcom G6 and how I find it. Here is a small preview of the blog: " Meet diabetes activist, Dexcom Warrior Alyssa 25-year-old Alyssa was born in Kilwinning, Scotland and currently lives in Edinburgh. She works for a Scottish children’s charity, where her focus is on children’s rights, and has recently graduated with her MSc Social Justice and Community Action. This passion for social justice has fuelled her diabetes advocacy. Alyssa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2013 at age 14, after being unwell for some time. Just a week before, she was at her dad’s wedding, getting compliments on how much weight she had lost, and drinking the remainders of other guests’ soft drinks as she was so thirsty. When she was at school, she spotted a poster with the 4 T’s symptoms of type 1 diabetes (Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner), which fit the symptoms she was feeling , and later that day got an emergency appointment at the doctor, where she was quickly diagnosed. Alyssa very quickly took to type 1 diabetes, being very independent with her self-management from the start. Her difficulties didn’t begin until she started having severe hypos soon after diagnosis, which caused seizures. Due to this, she was moved onto an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system very quickly. She then moved onto the Dexcom G6 CGM System and Tandem t:slim X2 TM insulin pump with Control-IQ Technology TM , to form a Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) system, a type of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system ..." To read more, please visit here! - https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/blog/hcl-systems-with-warrior-alyssa?utm_campaign=UKIEWarriorEmail_Junel&utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Body:Button:ReadMore

I first worked with Tino (aka The Diabetic Mogul) when we were both volunteer organisers for the T1D Festival in London with ' League of Diabetes ' in October 2023. Since then, I have been in awe of Tino, the impact he makes in the diabetes community, his dedication, and the joy he spreads to the people he meets. Please enjoy this guest blog from Tino! Until Next Time, Alyssa Hello, I'm Tinotenda Dzikiti, a global advocate and podcaster from Zimbabwe. I've been living with type 1 diabetes since 2010 and manage it through insulin injections and continuous glucose monitoring technology. I'm passionate about advocating for NCD awareness and support. How did you first get started in diabetes advocacy, and what made you interested in it? My journey into diabetes advocacy began in late 2019 when I had the opportunity to participate in a diabetes advocacy camp. This experience exposed me to a diverse group of like-minded youth from across Africa who were passionate about raising awareness and advocating for better care and support for people living with diabetes. The camp was a transformative experience that ignited a fire within me to become more actively involved in advocacy efforts. Can you share the story behind the creation of the Global Diabetes Insights podcast? What motivated you to start this platform? Global Diabetes Insights evolved from the Diabetic Mogul Podcast, a platform initially designed to share insights and experiences within the diabetes community. Motivated by a desire to broaden the conversation and provide a more inclusive platform, Global Diabetes Insights was born. Teaming up with my esteemed colleague Konstantina Taki, we sought to create a space where experts, advocates, and individuals living with diabetes could share their stories and knowledge. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and empower the global diabetes community while fostering unity and support. Your work with the Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) initiative is remarkable. What inspired you to become involved with this organization, and what impact do you hope to achieve through your contributions? I was deeply motivated to join the Young Leaders in Diabetes (YLD) initiative by my personal journey with diabetes and a strong desire to effect meaningful change within the diabetes community. Recognizing the significant challenges and complexities that individuals living with diabetes, especially young people, encounter daily, I felt compelled to lend my voice and efforts to advocate for impactful changes. In Zimbabwe, where resources for diabetes management are limited, being nominated by an IDF member association from my country was a pivotal moment. It reinforced my commitment to making a difference and highlighted the importance of local advocacy in addressing global health challenges. My primary goal within the YLD initiative is to raise awareness about diabetes, particularly among young people, and to advocate for improved access to quality care, education, and support services. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to inspire and empower others to take charge of their health and well-being. Through collaborative efforts and meaningful partnerships, I hope to contribute to a future where diabetes is better understood, managed, and ultimately, where stigma and discrimination against individuals with diabetes are eliminated. #dedoc° is an innovative initiative in the diabetes community. Could you elaborate on your involvement with #dedoc° and how it's contributing to improving the lives of people with diabetes? My involvement with #dedoc° has been incredibly rewarding. Since 2020, I've collaborated with other advocates and healthcare professionals to drive positive change in the diabetes community. #dedoc°'s focus on education, advocacy, and support has helped to improve the lives of people with diabetes by providing valuable resources, information, and a supportive community. This initiative has created a platform for people with diabetes, healthcare providers, and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and work towards a common goal of improving diabetes care and management worldwide. Zimbabwe faces unique challenges in managing diabetes. Could you shed some light on the current diabetes situation in Zimbabwe, and what efforts are being made to address the issue? Zimbabwe faces unique challenges in managing diabetes, primarily stemming from limited access to healthcare services, medication, and education. Despite these challenges, concerted efforts are underway to address them. The country has implemented awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and partnerships with organizations such as the International Diabetes Federation, Life for a child. These initiatives aim to enhance access to care, raise awareness about diabetes, and empower individuals living with the condition to actively manage their health. Additionally, the PEN-Plus clinics in Zimbabwe have been instrumental in providing specialized care and support for those affected by severe forms of diabetes, contributing significantly to improving outcomes and quality of life for patients. As an advocate, what do you believe are the most pressing issues surrounding diabetes on a global scale, and how do you envision overcoming these challenges? One of the most pressing issues facing the global diabetes community is the limited access to affordable healthcare and medications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This lack of access exacerbates the already significant burden of diabetes-related complications and mortality rates in these regions. To address these challenges effectively, it is imperative to prioritize comprehensive diabetes education programs that empower individuals to manage their condition effectively. Additionally, efforts should focus on improving access to essential healthcare services, including regular screenings, medication, and diabetes management tools. Advocating for policy reforms that promote affordable and equitable healthcare for all individuals living with diabetes is crucial. By addressing these key areas, we can work towards reducing the burden of diabetes and improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Could you share a memorable experience or success story from your journey as a diabetes advocate that has deeply impacted you? One of the most impactful moments in my journey as a diabetes advocate was when I had the opportunity to provide peer-based diabetes education and support to adolescents and young adults at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Witnessing the transformation in these individuals as they gained knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their diabetes was incredibly fulfilling. One particular encounter that stands out is when a young girl, newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, approached me after a session. She was overwhelmed and scared, unsure of how to navigate this new chapter in her life. Through our conversation, I could see her demeanor change from fear to hope as she realized that she was not alone in this journey. Over time, I watched her become more empowered and proactive in managing her diabetes. She started sharing her experiences with others, offering support and encouragement. Seeing her resilience and determination to live well with diabetes reminded me of the profound impact advocacy can have on individuals and communities. It reinforced my commitment to continue advocating for better diabetes care, education, and support for all those affected by this condition. In your opinion, what are some misconceptions about diabetes that you encounter frequently, and how do you work to dispel them? One common misconception about diabetes is that it only affects older people or those who are overweight. In reality, diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age, weight, or lifestyle. To dispel this misconception, I work to raise awareness about the different types of diabetes and the factors that contribute to its development. I also emphasize the importance of early detection and management to prevent complications. What advice would you give to individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes or those who are looking to become more involved in diabetes advocacy and support efforts? For those newly diagnosed with diabetes, my advice would be to educate yourself about the condition, seek support from others living with diabetes, and work closely with your healthcare team to develop a management plan that works for you. For those looking to become more involved in advocacy, I would encourage you to use your voice to raise awareness, share your story, and advocate for change. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes.

Today we have another guest blogger, Katie Lamb. Katie is an amazing artist, who focused her art on diabetes and using her art as a medium for advocacy. I first came across Katie on Instagram, having seen for art and related to it. Me and Katie have also volunteered together on a Diabetes UK Type 1 Event last year! I am so pleased that Katie has shared her insights, this is truly a great blog about the power of art and alternative media can have!I hope you enjoy, and thank you so much for sharing Katie. Until Next Time, Alyssa x 1. Can you share your personal journey with type 1 diabetes and how it inspired you to use digital art as a means of advocacy? I was diagnosed with type one diabetes just before my second birthday in February 2003. I was fortunate to have a relatively good diagnosis, despite the first healthcare professional my mum raised concerns with telling her that she was ‘just hormonal’ and I was ‘just a toddler’.   Art and diabetes have always been connected for me, for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I would draw a picture for my nurse before every clinic, so she had an entire gallery of my art over the years. Even before I was making art about diabetes, art was a space for positivity and a way for me to process the emotions that come with diabetes, and that has just grown and evolved as I have grown. I don’t think I ever would have predicted my art reaching so many people or just how important it has become over the years through my diabetes journey, but it is interesting to look back and see that creativity and art have always been a vital part of my relationship with diabetes.  My first experience using art for advocacy was to advocate for myself, although at the time I was completely unaware that was what I was doing. During a period of intense burnout as a teenager, art had become the natural option, and potentially the only option I felt I had to communicate how I was feeling and what I needed. I don’t think I realised this at the time, but it was as much a way for me to understand my own experience and needs as it was for my healthcare professionals. The success of that painting in opening conversations both within my clinic and then at Diabetes UK events for professionals sparked something within me, and confirmed this passion for making a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes in the way I knew best.  I had always felt called to have some involvement in diabetes, having grown up with a close relationship with my diabetes team. Exactly what that aspiration would look like was unclear for a long time, and so there was a sense of relief with this discovery of the intersection between art and diabetes and the potential it held for a place for me in this community and on this journey, and I had something to offer in my own way.  2. How has digital art become a powerful tool for advocating for type 1 diabetes, mental well-being, and improved access to diabetes technology? I first posted on Instagram in March 2020, I thought maybe there would be someone out there interested in art and diabetes, and I stumbled into this incredible community where art became a way to empower other people with diabetes and to share both my story and the stories of so many others. I posted my very first digital drawings- which was a medium I had never used before and was really using just for a bit of fun between studying- starting with some portraits with quotes I thought resonated with my experience of diabetes, and people online had the most incredible response.  There was something empowering about seeing other people with diabetes being turned into art that meant other people wanted to join in, and I was able to connect with people with diabetes from around the world who were responding to the art or wanting to be involved with it. It was significant to me to begin with a series of portraits of people from across the diabetes community. Portraits act of signifiers of the status of the subjects, and what could be more important in advocacy spaces than the voices of lived experience.  Advocating for the community can only work when it takes place in collaboration with the community, when it is rooted firmly within the shared stories of the people represented. Creating digital art has become a key tool for me to hear and represent the stories of other people living with diabetes, to connect with the community and understand the concerns of a vast number of people to help drive change in the areas that matter most to real people’s lives.  People respond to the art with their own stories, with their reflections and insights and often with a new perspective which adds to my understanding of a topic. I am constantly open to an interpretation of an artwork separate from my initial intention, but which allows me to learn more about people’s experiences of diabetes. The right meaning is whatever you see, or you feel when you interact with that artwork, so the piece almost comes alive, existing as different things to different people and influencing a range of advocacy goals. Digital art has given me a platform and tool to communicate with healthcare professionals and industry organisations, which is a key factor in taking these conversations out of the community and into the spaces where our voices have been long overlooked. It has given me the opportunity to highlight the need for access to technology along with sustained support and education, and to present new perspectives of the emotional burden of diabetes to professionals. Diabetes is messy and abstract, and I believe a creative approach is needed for organisations or professionals to understand a full picture of these abstract feelings and experiences.  3. Your art often highlights the emotional aspects of living with diabetes. How do you hope your work resonates with others who share similar experiences? From the very early days of drawing pictures in diabetes clinic, art has been a tool for me to reflect and process my own experiences with T1D. Frequently, the most challenging of these experiences have been the emotional aspects of living with diabetes, and thus it has become deeply engrained in the work I share. Art was often the only way I could highlight these topics within my own life, where I struggled to find the language to verbalise what I was feeling or find the opportunity to have these conversations with anyone who really understood.  Art can feel less confrontational than having to speak about these things and abstract enough that people have the option to interpret it in a way that makes sense in their own diabetes journey, so it does not rely on us all having the same experiences, just sharing a safe space to talk or to just understand. We all have such different experiences of diabetes, but we are united by these themes and common threads that exist for us all. When so many people with diabetes experience elevated levels of isolation, the ability to share and hear stories can make a dramatic difference, and art offers an alternative way into these stories.   I hope people know that they are not alone, that their experiences are valid, and their story is simultaneously remarkably unique and held in a collective understanding of what it means to live with diabetes. I hope people feel heard through the artwork even if they don’t have the language to vocalise it themselves, or that an artwork can inspire a creative expression of their own. My art often comes back to self-compassion, which has been a challenge for myself, and I know it is a challenge for many people with diabetes- I hope we can use art to see some beauty within the mess, to see ourselves as masterpieces in the making.  It is important to remember that people online are not therapists, and that its vital to have your own boundaries around the support you can give and the things you want to share online, which is a lesson I’ve learned over time. Talking about emotional wellbeing and mental health requires a level of mutual vulnerability so I am constantly considering both how I feel about sharing an artwork and what impact it could have on the person on the other side of the screen. Mutual vulnerability is hard, it asks a lot from both sides, but I think done well it leads to a sense of trust and safety in the space which gives me the opportunity to be open and for people to resonate with these topics.  These paintings took a significant amount of vulnerability to share, but I was driven by the need to raise a topic I so rarely see being spoken about. My struggle with self harm using insulin went unnoticed for so long partly because no one knew the signs or how to raise the conversation about it, and for hypo awareness week I knew this was something I needed to share in the hope that having these conversations might help prevent another person sharing this experience.  4. In what ways do you believe digital art can break down stigmas surrounding diabetes and mental health, fostering a more supportive and understanding community? For a significant part of my journey with diabetes I was unsure if anyone felt the same way about having diabetes, or if this was simply how it had to be and would be forever. I experienced periods of burnout throughout my childhood with diabetes, but never had the space to acknowledge what that meant or what could be done. People around me were not having the conversations, and I didn’t know I was allowed to talk about it. By using art on social media, I can start conversations about diabetes and mental health, or join in, by contributing my experience. I think the more we give ourselves permission and opportunity to discuss these difficult bits of diabetes, the more we can break down the stigma around them. It is so easy to fall into a cycle of toxic positivity on platforms like Instagram, to strive for inspiration without acknowledging the inevitable challenges. I hope my art gives people the chance to know it’s okay to find diabetes really rubbish some days, to have a positive outlook and still cry about it, and to accept that sometimes diabetes might stop you – and that those things don’t make you any less strong or worthy of anything.  It has been a joy to experience countless conversations in response to my art work, from people who have lived with diabetes for decades but never seen these topics expressed in a way that resonated with them, or with parents of children newly diagnosed with diabetes who can find some reassurance and peace in these messages of hope and encouragement.  I hope we can all make space for creativity in our diabetes, to connect with each other and advocate with the tools and gifts we have to use.

Currently in the world there are some abhorrent things happening, and it is easy to feel helpless and unsure how you can help. An example of a current humanitarian crisis is the genocide currently ongoing in Palestine (#FreePalestine) however this isn’t the only event where human rights are being breached. One of the awful things that have done is put insulin pens on the list of banned items , which means that individuals who are insulin dependent (including Type 1 Diabetics) cannot get access to the medicine that literally keeps them alive. A group of diabetes advocates have grouped together after this news broke, and decided to start a petition named the ‘Insulin Consensus’, which is a statement of consensus urging uninterrupted insulin access during all Humanitarian Crises. The insulin consensus outlines the basic human rights that the withholding of insulin breaks, including Right to Life (UDHR Article 3) , Right to Health (ICESCR Article 12) , Child’s Right to Health (UNCRC Article 24) , and Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD Article 25) . As insulin is essential for survival, access to it safeguards the human right to health and life, and the recent restrictions on insulin during conflicts are alarming. The insulin consensus is an urgent call to action, asking for all parties to recognise the humanitarian impact of obstructing insulin access, prioritising the health and survival of those reliant on this life-saving medication. It is imperative to understand that the absence of insulin equates to death for those in need, therefor any barrier hindering insulin access for a region or population must be addressed promptly. To sign the insulin consensus, and to safeguard the futures of individuals dependent on insulin all over the world, visit here - https://www.change.org/p/urging-uninterrupted-insulin-access-in-humanitarian-crises?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=92eb9cc0-c906-012f-1c8f-40401bfb750c Until Next Time, Alyssa x