Q. Where are you from?
A. Grew up in Belleville, Ontario but currently living in Guelph, Ontario during the Fall and Winter and attending the University of Guelph. I will be graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Bio Resource Management (BBRM) degree (Environmental Studies Major).
Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed at the end of July 2009 at age 20. I work for a local conservation authority during the summer months, spending a lot of time outside while completing environmental field work. My hobbies include Nature Photography, Dancing, Painting, Hiking and Canoeing. I have a great support system which include my parents Lynn and Brian, my boyfriend and my friends.
Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. My Treatment has gone through many changes since diagnosis in July 2009. In the first 3 months, my sugars were controlled with strict dietary modifications, without the help of insulin/medication. In September 2009 I was rediagnoised as a “Type 1.5” by my endocrinologist. I started medication usually used for Type 2 patients in 2010 (metformin and januvia). Then I was re-diagnosed back to Type 1 in October 2010 as pancreas function rapidly declined. I began Lantus prescribed in November 2010 with Metformin pills for 1 month. In Decomber 2010 I began MDI’s of Apidra and Lantus and discontinued the oral medications. As of May 17, 2011, I now use the Medtronic Paradigm Veo pump!
Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I learned to Cook and adopted much healthier eating habits after i was diagnosed. I also participated in the JDRF walk in Belleville in May 2010, participating again in 2011 with a large group of friends and family! I attended my first Connected in Motion Event, Winter Slipstream 2011, and have since been out to the 2011 Summer Canoe Trip. I’m already registered for Winter Slipstream 2012!
Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I was a Dancer for 14 years (began at age 5), which included tap, jazz and acro. I was an assistant dance teacher in my last 2 years. Had to discontinue dance when I moved away to school, but I am currently taking a recreational dance class, and dancing whenever I can!
I love spending time outside, whether it be with work, or on my leisure time. My cottage is one of my favorite places to be, where i enjoy hiking, biking and canoeing and in the summer.
Website: http://meredithmillerphotography.webs.com/
