Waking Up to a New Reality: Managing Type 1 Diabetes After COVID

In 2022, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after my blood had become acidic while on a school camping trip. The diagnosis came as a shock, having had no family history of diabetes. Suddenly, learning to manage the condition became my priority, and I aimed to consistently get my glucose readings in range. Throughout my first year, I was introduced to new tech that helped improve ease of treatment, like glucose monitors and insulin pumps. As I began using this tech, I grew frustrated with the excessive plastic waste it created.

How CGM Applicators Contribute to Environmental Harm

The main source of medical waste came from continuous glucose monitor (CGM) applicators, large chunks of expensive single-use tech thrown out every ten days. They are biohazardous, but a lack of accessible waste collection means many people throw them in the garbage. Worse yet, they are often too large to fit in the common sharps bins. Speaking with other people with diabetes, I learned that many shared the frustration I experienced about causing environmental harm, yet feeling helpless in the process. I felt that this issue was pressing as diabetes is a growing health concern globally, and tackling the root of the problem could limit future waste from piling in landfills.

Developing an Award-Winning Reusable CGM Applicator

Combining my interests for environmentalism and engineering, I created a reusable CGM applicator prototype called “Aplico.” I drew sketches of my idea, then spent countless hours 3D modeling and printing its mechanism. Following the principles of “reduce, reuse, recycle,” my design could cut waste produced in half.

I presented my project at the University of Toronto’s Science Fair, winning a gold medal. I also applied to an initiative called “Rise For The World” and was chosen as a Global Winner. This gave me the life-changing opportunity to meet others from around the world and present my project at a summit at the University of Oxford. Throughout this journey, I felt the positive feedback from others. I met strangers who sympathized with my story, and I heard from people with diabetes who also experienced frustration or shame. In this way, having created my project validated my commitment to helping others with the things I create.

3 Steps to Taking Decisive Action to Make Change

All in all, I learned the value of being solution-oriented and taking decisive action to make change. If I were to simplify my journey, I would boil it down to 3 key steps:

1. Find an area or problem that you truly believe needs changing and learn about it.
2. Search for practical and achievable solutions.
3. Stay consistent, aiming to test and improve your result.

You can even implement these steps with something like managing blood sugars. If you see a trend in blood sugar rising after dinner, that’s your area that needs change. Consider why this may be happening, thinking about sugar content or glycemic index. Then, adjust your insulin-to-carb ratio or consult a dietician to see what they’d recommend. You can apply problem-solving principles to large scale issues you find concerning, or even day-to-day struggles you face.

From Gratitude to Growth: Embracing my T1D Journey

My journey with diabetes is often tiring and inconvenient. Yet, it has ultimately taught me that I can overcome adversity with a rational mind and willingness to grow in light of new circumstances. Despite my strong disliking for fruit punch, I am ultimately grateful it exists. Maybe I just need to try another flavour.