Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I got diabetes when I was 12 yrs old, turning 27 this year. I am currently taking Lantus and Novo rapid insulin….and am currently waiting (anxiously) for the endocronologist to call so I can go in and see about getting the pump! Ms.Steepe has convinced me

I’ve always been an outdoor enthusiast. So much so that I went to school for Conservation Enforcement and and worked as a Resource Officer out in Manitoba. Falcon Lake is my second home! I moved back to Alberta a couple yrs ago to be closer to my family and am now doing odd jobs as I go back to school to become a personal trainer!

Back to the outdoors……My fiance and I are rock climbers, ice climbers, skiers, hikers, snowshoers, winter and summer campers, mountain bikers, ice skaters, hunters, fishers…we dabble in all the activities!

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. When i was first diagnosed I started with good old fashioned NPH and Toronto insulin……I injected 2x a day…..7am and 6pm. I stayed that way for sooooo many years, then was told about lantus and novo rapid. So that’s what I have been using for a few years now….

Testing my blood sugar was like clock work when first diagnosed….I had a mum that was all over it like white on rice! 4-6x daily……then i went through a period where i felt i didn’t have to test as much through the day (must have been teenage angst). Today I am testing about 4x daily(minimum), gives me piece of mind and I find I have better control!!!!

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Songs are hard to narrow down…..Top 5 artists I am currently listening to on the ol’ ipod are:

Florence and the Machine
Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
The Prodigy
Rihanna
oh…and the song Your Name by Swedish House Mafia

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A.T o stay active, besides going outdoors, I do Crossfit….started about 4yrs ago and I fell in love…every workout is different and you are constantly in competition with yourself to beat past times, and personal records. It’s very rewarding! I would love to one day compete in the Crossfit games…..one day……..I am also a hot yoga enthusiast!

Q. What’s your story?
A. I am super enthusiastic when it comes to the outdoors. I love to be outside and love to be around other people. I have had Diabetes since 2002. It has been part of my life and a love having it–so much so  that I have a permanent tattoo of it on my arm!

My hobbies are all over the place from sport to people– whatever seems to grab my attention will soon become my hobby.

My friends and family have all been a great part of my life, from supporting me to just being there.  I knowi can always rely on them whenever i need that extra helping hand.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. When i was first diagnosed, my insulin and testing was very time dependent, and very strict. I was only allowed to eat at certain times in the day, and could only eat a certain amount–it was fairly disruptive for every day life.  I would have to stop activities and eat and check my blood sugar and make sure i was doing the correct amount of insulin all at the right time. But now, i have the freedom to eat and do insulin whenever and where ever i feel. I am now on a 24 hour insulin and taking a fast acting whenever i am eating, its a much better way for me and my life style. I can go for half of a day without eating now and not have to worry about my diabetes as much (instead i deal with the grumble stomach!) The only thing I really have to deal with is having to take the 24 hour insulin, which is super easy, especially when i have a larger time frame then i used to for my insulin regime.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. (1) Love Generation, Bob Sinclair; (2) When Love Takes Over (Feat Kelly Rowland), David Guetta; (3) Give it All Your Loving, ZZ Top; (4) Mamba No. 5, (The Bloody Beetroots remix), Robyn; (5) Yellow Submarine, The Beatles;… And really anything with good bass and upbeat!

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I have done a lot because of my Diabetes.  It has lead me down a path of wanting to help people.  I went to a Diabetes camp as a camper for 4 or 5 years and then worked at the same camp for 3 summers in a row just to give back and show other people that they can do anything they want–whether they have Diabetes or not.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I used to be a competitive biathlete. (For those that don’t know what biathlon is, it involves cross country skiing and shooting) It kept me going, but I unfortunately gave that up for work and personal growth.  I am getting back into the sport–this time not as an athlete, but as a coach. I am super stoked to once again be able to give back to people and show them what they can do.

A self-proclaimed science nerd and brainstorming queen, Sarah loves being outside and watching nature happen. She was diagnosed with diabetes at 14 and after just 8 months headed off to Camp Huronda, a summer camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes. That first summer eventually led into working at camp for the next 9 years as a counsellor, lifeguard, high ropes and climbing tower instructor and finally as co-ordinator for the Junior Counsellor program.

Outside of camp, she graduated with a degree in Ecology (hence the science nerd title) and last year graduated with her Bachelor of Education. She currently lives and teaches in Calgary, AB. Teaching outdoor education is a natural fit for Sarah, as it means that she can spend most of her days tromping through the marshes, fields, forests and mountains - sharing her passion with ‘little’ ‘aspiring’ science nerds both in and out of the classroom.

Sarah feels that Connected in Motion is exactly what is needed in the world of diabetes. In fact, Sarah was Connected in Motion’s very first official member!

She says ‘There are just too many members of the Type 1 posse doing cool things that are never heard about’. Connecting with these people, hearing about their adventures and helping others to do the same, is what Sarah looks forward to most! Well, that and hanging out in hip waders.