Type 1 Diabetes: Living Life Without Limits

Type 1 Diabetes: Living Life Without Limits

My Diagnosis Didn’t Slow Me Down

When I was 13 years old, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. By the time I was officially diagnosed, I had become very ill and my blood sugar was recorded at 67mmol/L. I spent two days in the hospital where I was learning how to manage my new reality with the amazing paediatric nurses and doctors. I was very sick and needed to adjust to my new diagnosis, but that was not going to fit in my schedule, nooo no, I had a ski camp in Tremblant to attend! And that is exactly what I did. The very next week, I left for the camp to train as hard as I could and continue to do the thing I love, regardless of my new diagnosis.

Watch our “Unique Careers with T1D” webinar: Retired Toronto District Fire Chief Peter Atkins, marine biologist Scotia Brailsford, ski instructor Camille Vibert and ballet dancer David Campbell share their experiences managing T1D in physically demanding and unconventional careers – the challenges, strategies, and tips that help them thrive.

Chasing My Next Challenge: Solo Travelling

I continued to pursue my passion in Alpine Ski racing, which brought me to the Ontario Team for three years, then to McGill where I competed for the team while pursuing my education. Once I graduated university, I had one thing I desperately wanted to do, and that was travel… alone.

The idea of solo travelling seems daunting for some, but even more so for those living with type 1 diabetes. There are so many variables to consider when planning your travels: insulin accessibility, your safety, emergency plans, etc. Especially when you are travelling to an entirely new place, without knowing a single person around you. Scary? Yes! Possible? Absolutely.

Tips for Travelling with Type 1 Diabetes

Managing diabetes is constant learning; understanding what various foods, exercise, and stressors do to your blood sugar on a daily basis. Travelling as a type 1 was no different. I have, and still am learning the best ways to stay in control of my numbers, while travelling in foreign countries. Here are some practical tips for travelling with Type 1 diabetes:

1. Bring as large of a supply as you can (insulin, test strips, CGM, insulin pens, ketone monitor, glucose monitor, skin tac, etc.).

It is entirely possible to find these things abroad but the larger the supply to get you started, the better. This allows you to control the controllables. At times, you may run into issues, especially with all the new technology and the new systems. This past year I ran into a problem with my Dexcom G7, where I couldn’t set up the app outside of my home country and I no longer had access to my CGM. Let me tell you, I went into FULL panic mode. I felt like I had lost all control over my diabetes. In hindsight, there was no need to panic, as I had other solutions, which included the freestyle libre (I now always keep an extra) and my manual glucose monitor. What is really important, is that you feel comfortable using pens and a glucose monitor before travelling in case you run into any technical difficulties abroad.

2. Find a doctor where you have settled.

My travelling was supported through working holiday visas or specific work visa’s, so I was always in a place for an extended period of time (3-6 months). Most pharmacies in most countries will give you an emergency dose of insulin if needed, but if you are in a specific place for a while, it is important to see a doctor who can give you an official prescription for insulin. I was on injections at the time of my travels, so I didn’t have to worry about pump supplies and I was able to control my glucose on injections. I was, however, paying for the insulin out of pocket, but I see it as an expense that allows me to live this beautiful life!

3. TELL PEOPLE.

A mistake I made, which I often do, and don’t realize is that I do not inform the people around me of my condition and how to help if there were to be an emergency situation. I have always been in good control of my glucose, so I tend to keep it to myself. But the reality is that anything can happen and you never really know if/when you are going to have a dangerous low. The more people who know how to help, the better, and the more confident you can feel. One thing that I chose to do was get a tattoo on my wrist that says “type 1 diabetic” in case I am ever in a situation where I am alone and unconscious. I am not one to wear bracelets, so I figured that would be the best option for my lifestyle. There are plenty of first aid trained people, and having a symbol on your body helps provide them with a better understanding of the situation.

Living the Life I Dreamed Of

I am now living and working in France for an International ski academy. I have had the fortune of combining both my passions for skiing and travelling, all while managing my diabetes. There are still many moving parts and a lot of logistical organization to ensure that I continue to have access to all my devices and insulin, however, I feel super confident in managing my diabetes overseas due to my support system and my ability to overcome any obstacles that I may encounter. It can be scary going out in the world and finding new ways to manage diabetes but it is all entirely possible and, most of all, worth it!

Your Dreams are Possible!

Type 1 diabetes might change how you plan—but it doesn’t get to decide what you dream about. You can still chase big goals, travel, compete, and try things that feel scary. You’ll learn as you go, adjust when needed, and build confidence every step of the way.

You are capable of more than you think—and your life doesn’t have to be limited by diabetes.

Camille Vibert was diagnosed with T1D at 13 years old. While studying at McGill University, she was part of the women’s alpine ski team and was named RSEQ rookie of the year in 2019. She is a ski instructor at The Apex 2100 International Ski Academy.