Joshua Irwin

At 16 year old I never dreamed of what today’s life would be like when referencing type 1 diabetes. The year I was diagnosed was 1999. The world was ending and so was I. Diagnosed in February 1999, the first meter that tested my blood took 1 minute and 45 seconds to display. Almost immediately technology advances were on the horizon. Insulin pens, pumps, and eventually continuous blood glucose monitors. The Medtronic 508 pump had just been released in 1999 and after my “honeymoon” period was over, I was introduced to the 508 Medtronic pump. It was instantly a change of life flexibility. It really helped propel past the looks and stares received from wearing a device. At first it was really difficult to wear and stay comfortable. I do remember that well.
The positives far outweigh the negatives.
As time went on the advancements came and I was always 1st at the doctor’s office to volunteer for the new technology available.
Today I wear an Omnipod and a Dexcom. After 20 years with Medtronic tubes hanging off me, the change to Omnipod tubeless system caught my eye.
Paired with a Dexcom, the effortless system works to help maintain a healthier lifestyle today. I’ll admit, the younger years were no picnic with hours between sugar tests and never really knowing what was going to come next in the day versus diabetes.
If I’ve learned 1 thing from diabetes, you can never be too prepared for a situation. There’s no shame in being the one with the medical bag that saves the day for yourself and someone else.
The T1D community is a big one full of hope. Today with social media, it feels easier than ever to find out answers and new ways to diabetes.