Useful Links
Online technology has helped me so much to gain better control of my Type 1 Diabetes!
From fellow Type 1 Bloggers, to support organisations and social media, there’s no need for anyone to suffer alone and in silence!
To show my appreciation, I’ve compiled a list to some of my favourite go-to sources of online information.
This list will be updated on a regular basis, so keep checking back!
Organisations
JDRF UK: A charity solely dedicated to raising money for cure research and campaigning to raise awareness of the condition.
Diabetes UK: Raising awareness and money for research into both Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes. They hold regular informative events across the UK for those with, and loved ones of those with, both types of Diabetes.
Beyond Type 1: A funky US charity website dedicated to all things T1D related. Fab for youngsters and young adults, it provides lots of information and resources, they also sell lots of cool products (please check the postage/delivery info before buying as they are US based)!
Blogs
A Cornish Mum – A UK Family, Lifestyle & Type 1 Diabetes blog. Also contains beautiful photos of Cornwall! Owner Stephanie Couch (Stevie) is really friendly and always on hand to offer helpful advice on anything T1D or Blog related!
The Diabetic Journey – A fabulous US Type 1 Diabetic blog owned by Brittany Gilleland, who was diagnosed 14 years ago aged 12. Her Facebook page is an amazing source of Type 1 Diabetes information!
T1Diabetic – My fellow Welsh diabuddy David’s personal blog about his life with Type 1 Diabetes, diagnosed 7 years ago aged 19. David keeps me in the loop about everything T1 related, from local events I should attend to sending me GBDoc Twitter Chat reminders. I should really consider hiring him as my PA!
Type 1 Adventures – Ros is my Insulin Pump Twin (we got our Animas Vibe pumps on the exact same day and trained up by the same rep!). Diagnosed as a child 32 years ago, she shares the highs and the lows of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Type1Bri.com – London based T1 blogger Bri provides lots of information about living with our condition, and blogs about his own journey. He’s also a runner (I take my hat off to all of these T1 fitness fanatics!), and organises various meet ups in London.
Carb Counting Mama – Canadian blogger Leah shares helpful stories, tips and advice about taking care of her T1 son. She also runs a fantastic Facebook group especially for Type 1 Diabetic Bloggers to share their posts, and offers lots of useful blogging advice & tips.
Social Media
Facebook
The Insulin Gang – A support network of families and people affected by T1D, an opportunity to offer support, understanding, advice and friendship.
Moms With T1 Diabetes – A support network for mums who are themselves diagnosed with Type 1. A closed and safe place to share what is going on in the day to day life.
Type 1’s Rant, Moan and Share Stories – The name says all you need to know!
Twitter
The GBDoc – A fantastic source of information. Come take part in their friendly T1D related Twitter chat, which takes place every Wednesday at 9pm, with a different topic to discuss each week, and a fun game of BG Bingo!
Some of my favourite T1D related Instagram pages… because I’m a sucker for a pretty picture!
Resources / Freebies
IDDT’s Free Hospital Passport – Type 1 Diabetics do not always receive the correct care during hospital stays. I’ve heard many a horror story of T1’s not being allowed to correct high’s or almost being given too much insulin by a clueless nurse. This form helps Diabetics when they go into hospital by enabling them to record vital information about their diabetes and how they manage their treatment. It also enables people to include information about all their medicines, their mealtimes, diet and any allergies.
Beyond Type 1 Snail Mail Club – A free pen pal service to connect Type 1 Diabetics around the world (donations gratefully received). As well as your pen pal’s info, you’ll also receive a lovely writing pack containing some snazzy pre-printed postcards and stickers.
DRWF’s Free Medic Alert Necklace & Check Up Cards – All they ask for is a small voluntary donation of £2 to enable them to keep on supplying them. Bargain!
Cool Things To Buy
Pimp Your Pumps – For cool insulin pump / CGM pouches, testing kit bags and Freestyle Libre skins.
Livy Rae Design – Funky hypo treatment storage boxes.
KD Jewellery – Personalised macrame medical alert bracelets. I have one myself and I love wearing it!
Pep Me Up – Beautiful Freestyle Libre meter & sensor skins. Since my last visit a couple of months ago, I can see she has started stocking some gorgeous metal Medic Alert bracelets too.
aabecreative – Unique, handy sized food & blood glucose record diaries.
In Loving Memory Of…
A little section dedicated to the warriors who sadly lost their battles with Type 1 Diabetes…
Remembrance of Peter Baldwin – 13 year old Peter sadly lost his life after a too late diagnosis in January 2015. His mum Beth has campaigned tirelessly ever since to raise awareness of the 4 main symptoms of T1 Diabetes – the 4T’S: Toilet Thirsty Tired Thinner, and to ensure that no other child should have to suffer the same fate.
Kisses For Kycie – In January 2015, little Kycie Terry fell ill and was prescribed antibiotics for a throat infection. 2 days later, she was rushed to hospital where they discovered she had Type 1 Diabetes. She was airlifted to another hospital, but suffered a seizure on route due to her sugar levels dropping too rapidly, which left her with severe brain damage. Despite the odds, with most children never surviving this kind of trauma, Kycie appeared to be making some progress. In May 2015, she was allowed home, although she needed 24 hour care. Sadly, after a bout of Pneumonia, Kycie passed away on July 11th 2015 aged just 5 years old.
