Who supports the supporter?
Tech saves lives
Deb’s phone sits charging on the cradle and lights up the room with fully drawn curtains while she is resting in bed.
The phone never leaves the cradle but always has the *LibreLink app turned on, to let her husband Greg know what her glucose levels are in real time.
Greg is now a full time carer
Deb lives with type 1 diabetes and was managing her diabetes independently and confidently after attending the OzDAFNE program.. She had been able to live a fulfilling life being a local schoolteacher.
But that all changed when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. Her memory and learning became affected, and Greg is now her full-time carer.
Greg now injects Deb’s insulin for her as she finds it hard to count the carbs. For four to six times a day, he adjusts her insulin doses based on what she eats (or leaves behind on her plate), if she had been more active or feeling down, and for any unexpected blood glucose fluctuations.
During the day, Greg plans his daily movements around Deb’s meal and sleep schedule, although he always has has the carer’s version# of the app running on his phone if he is out.
He adds notes on the app, so he can recall how much carb Deb had eaten, or record any extra insulin he had given her.
At night, the app can wake Greg up if Deb’s blood glucose levels drop, so he can prevent or treat her hypo without needing to do a fingerprick.
Otherwise, they can both sleep through the night in peace.
Enter family friends, Sandy and Helen. They are Greg’s helpers when Greg needs to run errands, or simply needs a break. Sandy comes over to support Deb when Greg is out, but Helen can let Deb stay for the day at her place nearby. And they have been godsends for Greg. They too have the app# running on their phone when Deb is around.
Until recently, Greg taught both Sandy and Helen how to inject insulin for Deb. Using the LibreView app, Greg is able to work out how much insulin Deb needs if he is not able to get back on time.
It takes a village, (helped along with some excellent technology) to support one person. Deb’s health and wellbeing depends on the health and well-being of Greg, but also of Sandy and Helen. Without their care and the collaboration using the CGM and associated apps, life would be a lot more challenging.
During National Diabetes Week 2024, we remember and salute the friends, family and supporters of all people living with diabetes.
Learn more about the LibreView app and many other diabetes management technologies at the Diabetes Victoria Technology Hub.
Footnote:
*LibreLink app is the version for the person living with diabetes, to record data and add notes.
#LibreLinkUp app is the version for carers to view glucose levels.
