Managing our Type 1 diabetes can be daunting. Fortunately, innovative technology is becoming available, giving people living with diabetes more options to improve their lives! One such technology is Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system, a sensor-based device which uses flash technology to monitor glucose levels. Here, we sit down with Amy Burrows – our resident hiking-canoeing-exploring adventurer – and discuss her experiences with the FreeStyle Libre system, life with diabetes, and the great outdoors.
Disclaimer: Please check out CIM’s Partners Page to learn more about the companies we work with. CIM bloggers who volunteered to share their experiences were not paid for their stories. As well, it is important to recognize that CIM may be biased based on the fact that some companies highlighted in the content below provide sponsorship to Connected in Motion. We still thought this info was important for you to know about. (Always read and follow the label and note that treatment decisions should be based on healthcare professional’s recommendation.)
First, we’d like to hear about you and your diabetes story.
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1988. I was sick with a “flu bug” that my mom noticed was taking far longer to kick than any normal bug. So, she took me to my family doctor who assured her it was just the flu and to keep up with fluids and rest. After days of not getting better; my mom took me to a pediatrician who also misdiagnosed me with the flu. A few days after that she took me back to my family doctor who then picked up on the symptoms, sent me to the hospital where they drew blood and tested it. My blood sugars were in the 50s (mmol/L). This was right before my 4th birthday!
How did you get involved with Connected in Motion?
My CIM adventures started through friendships I made at camp (Camp Huronda) as a child. I went to camp from ages 8-20. When I was 16 and a counsellor in training I met a good friend (Jen Hanson) who went on to help build Connected in Motion into what it is today, and continues to do so! She’s the one that convinced me (quite easily) to come on CIM’s first ever canoe trip… after that I was hooked! I found my T1D family; I’ve made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had through CIM. From that first canoe trip in North Frontenac, I’ve gone on to help organize many events, represent CIM at various conferences/gatherings/talks and I’ve guided many canoe trips!
Amy Burrows on canoe trip in Killarney Provincial Park with Connected in Motion
We know you love the outdoors – tell us more about this passion!
With all the hustle and bustle that goes on daily; work, traffic, internet, social media, politics, busy cities and towns, telephones, radio’s, TV’s…etc., there’s nothing better than submersing yourself deep into nature with it’s stillness and perfect harmony. It’s truly what grounds me and brings me peace. If it involves the outdoors (especially lakes) you can likely find me there. Canoe tripping, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, fire building and outdoor experiential education are some of my main passions!
You’re a real adventurous explorer – tell us about some of the trips you’ve been on.
I’ve been lucky enough to paddle, bike and hike my way across many amazing places on this planet! From hiking the Juan de Fuca trail in B.C., Zion National Park in Utah, old “mountains” of Manzanilla Cuba, paddling through backwoods Temagami, the crystal clear lakes of Killarney, Algonquin, French River, Georgian Bay, and most recently mountain biking through the south-west shores of England! But my favourite adventure of them all was three years ago, as part of CIM’s Adventure Team, hiking the Long Traverse in Gros Morne Newfoundland with 11 other folks with (or with close ties to) Type 1 diabetes. That hike was one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life. I say that without any exaggeration. The terrain was brutal and gorgeous all wrapped up in one package, and my mind set often matched it. I made unbreakable bonds with those on the trail, as humility flew out the door almost immediately, and we relied so much on one another. There was laughter. Gut-busting laughter! There were tears from pain, fear, laughter and overwhelming emotion and there were a ton of jaw-dropping moments! But there was also the realization that diabetes becomes so much more manageable when you’re part of a team. This often invisible disease reared its ugly face with every step but proved to never be something we couldn’t navigate together.
Travelling must have its challenges when it comes to managing your diabetes. Do you have any tips for others in the same situation?
Over the years, I have tried different systems, in addition to traditional finger pricks. What attracted me to the FreeStyle Libre system initially was the simplicity of the system and the data it gives me to help self-manage my diabetes. Plus, it means no more finger pricks* which is always a bonus, especially when I am travelling, but also at home. There’s no maximum amount of times you’re allowed to scan – you can literally do it any time you’d like.
*A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycaemia or impending hypoglycaemia is reported by the System or when symptoms do not match the System readings.
Since you’ve started using the FreeStyle Libre system, what have you learned about it? Did anything about its application/use surprise you?
I’ve learned that the FreeStyle Libre system is not a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) but instead a flash glucose monitoring system, meaning you scan your sensor to see your readings versus a CGM where your glucose levels are automatically sent to a reader device.
I enjoy that I’m not flooded with information automatically, as the alerts and information overload from a CGM had a tendency to wear me down. With the FreeStyle Libre system, I can get the information that I need (trends, estimated A1C levels, etc.) at my own convenience – this was huge for me personally. But what I really love about the FreeStyle Libre System is that it can be used continuously for 14 days rather than the 7 I was restricted to before on a CGM.
Recently FreeStyle Libre was added to the Ontario formulary. We hope that this might eliminate financial barriers for some people with T1D looking to access the FreeStyle Libre system. Amy – have you experienced the financial burden of accessing diabetes tech? Can you tell us more?
The FreeStyle Libre system being added to the Ontario formulary (ODB) is great for those people who can be covered under it. Unfortunately, it’s not something that is accessible to me. [CIM’s note: For more information on the Ontario Drug Benefit program, how it relates to diabetes, and who qualifies, CIM will be publishing a blog post shortly. In general, the program is accessible to people under 25 or over 65 years of age, people who rely on social assistance, have high drugs costs relative to their income (registered in the Trillium Drug Program) or who live in a Long-Term Care Home or a Home for Special Care.] I do not have the luxury of private health insurance, and so, unfortunately, I pay out of pocket for almost all of my diabetes costs. [CIM’s note: For those with private insurance coverage, most private insurers also cover the FreeStyle Libre system.] I’m fortunate that I can make ends meet to afford my medications and supportive equipment, but many people living with diabetes have to juggle the costs of medications, devices and supplies so compromises are made.
What advice would you give to someone considering the FreeStyle Libre? To first time users of the Libre?
Just do it! Changing your regime can be scary, but it also can be incredibly rewarding. There’s no harm in trying out the FreeStyle Libre system to see if it fits your lifestyle. Its ease-of-use, and accessible glucose information is a great tool for management. It’s incredible.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds technology-wise for the FreeStyle Libre system!
About the Author
Hailing from Beaverton Ontario, Amy is our resident hiking-canoeing-exploring adventurer, navigating life with T1D and the great outdoors! She enjoys spending time outdoors (mainly canoe tripping) with her friends, family, fellow T1’s, her dogs Caius & Sarge, and her boyfriend, Greg. She spends her days managing a dental practice in Uxbridge.
More about FreeStyle Libre:
- What’s new about the Libre 2? Learn about Abbott’s updates to the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system
- Diabetes & Tech Learnings from ATTD 2020: Abbott
