Are You Being Heard?

Medical appointments that feel like I’m just ticking boxes really compound the daily drain of type 1 diabetes for me. Being dictated to by numbers and assuring randoms that you can in fact eat cake thanksss is a lot, but then to feel that my opinion isn’t valid because I don’t have a medical qualification leaves me CBA to articulate to someone with a medical qualification what I instinctively know when type 1 keeps me up at night, not least with actual hypos.
But in these online oversharing (HIYA) kinda times, we as patients have more of a collective voice than ever before. Being open about what this type 1 life looks like, however that may look to each individual is P•O•W•E•R•F•U•L.
Years of (at times/not all/but enough) conflicting advice and patronising approaches aren’t cutting it. We need the experts, but we need the right ones – those who help us feel equipped, physically and psychologically, to live WELL with type 1.
I’m sat (delayed, trying to get to my retinopathy appointment, IRONY) at the airport after spending time in Berlin in the colourful arms of the Kaleido family and what I took away is that there are companies out there who are with us. Kaleido is a new insulin pump that feels… different. Not like corporate pharma. Yes it’s fun that it comes in 10 colours but the tech stands up, and mostly it feels like this thing has been built from day one with HEART; listening, evolving and making changes out of concern for what’s really needed from a product when you’re out in the big bad world.
I’m not saying they’re the only manufacturer with this outlook. I haven’t used the pump for reals, they know there’s work to do and it won’t be for everyone but building a device with this approach is what the community desperately needs. Attached to each pump or injection is a human being and it’s reassuring that products are being developed based on this, by companies who can spread the message on our behalf so we in turn are more empowered.
I’m hopeful for where we’ll be in 5 or 10 years time. But, and I say this with perspective – let’s keep (respectfully) pushing. Yes it could be worse but that doesn’t mean it can’t be better. It’s working. They’re listening.

P.S. Do you want to know more about the Kaleido pump? Let me know xx

P.P.S. This image was taken at a most glorious restaurant in Berlin called Crackers. Much like many decent places in Berlin, they make it difficult to find. Go find it. It’s worth it.