In this episode, I speak to Melissa. Melissa has been living with type 1 diabetes for 14 years. Melissa also lives with another autoimmune condition called Lupus. Lupus is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. There's no cure, but symptoms can improve if treatment starts early. Melissa shares how she manages living with two autoimmune conditions.
One of the biggest challenges that Melissa has overcome was obtaining an insulin pump. Mellisa shares how self-advocacy including knowing her rights as a patient meant that she was able to access the insulin pump she needed.
We talk about Melissa’s telemedicine/virtual appointments experience, life at university, entering the workplace with type 1 and the important role her family play in helping her to manage her type 1.
Useful links
Melissa on Instagram
Melissa on Twitter
Melissa Email Address
Can I get an insulin pump on the NHS? - JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity
Young people | Living with arthritis, managing pain
World Foods Book - Nutrition Information
Tips for dealing with difficult pre-employment medical screening issues
Equality Act 2010: guidance - GOV.UK
What reasonable adjustments are: Reasonable adjustments
A bit about the show and host
The Talking Type 1 podcast is a diabetes podcast by Daniel Newman. Daniel brings to you interviews from members of the diabetes community sharing their journeys of the ups and downs of living with type 1 diabetes. You’ll hear from those who live with type 1 diabetes, provide care to those living with type 1, healthcare professionals and experts in their field.
The interviews will be an open and honest insight into life with type 1 diabetes that you can relate to and also provide the opportunity to learn more about the condition. Daniel will share his insights into his life living with type 1 diabetes. Daniel has lived with the condition along with for over 24 years. He also lives with diabetic retinopathy and received a kidney transplant in 2018.
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