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Insulin Addict
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25.01.2022 Bit of a Friday-Funny for you... Thought I'd share one of the funniest comments that has ever been made about my Diabetes.. On a leadership (SRC) camp in high school we went to Robe (a beach side town) during Autumn. We had an afternoon at the beach and a few people went swimming but it was waaaaay too cold for me. ... Anyway, I was on cooking duty that night with a girl who asked what I could and couldn’t eat with my Diabetes.. she then proceeded to say ‘ohh I got sugar and salt mixed up, I thought that’s why you didn’t go swimming in the ocean’ hahahah I'm not sure if she would remember it but it sure has stuck with me as the most hilarious comment to this day. Comment your best/favourite Gif in the comments. Keep me entertained in quarantine I dare you !
25.01.2022 I think this quote speaks volumes. Think about it, every time you say All I want in life is to be happy you’re training your brain to believe that any other emotion is a failure. It’s no wonder so many people are left feeling unsatisfied with their lives, because this mindset is unrealistic. I think the happiest people in life have already figured this out. To just be present with the happy moments that come their way. To take everything in. Soak up all the serotonin that... comes in these waves. And not look at other emotions as failure, but instead that they are lessons, a way to grow and that they are an unavoidable part of life. Happiness like every other emotion is temporary, and If people thought of it that way, they’d find happiness more often. (P.S speaking of things that make me happy- One Tree hill is life, and if you haven’t seen it. Put it on your list. Brownie points if you know which character says this, youre the real mvp.)
24.01.2022 Diabetes is referred to as a lot of things- a full time job..An invisible disease... The list goes on. So I’ve been thinking about how to describe the pressure of living with a chronic illness, and i’d like to help by putting it into this perspective: Imagine having to sit a test every day for the rest of your life. One where you study extremely hard. Like, your life depends on it kind of hard. A test where those, Did we even cover this in class??? questions are unexpected...ly scattered throughout. Imagine that you check to see how your friends went (who didn’t even study-i might add!) who respond, I got a perfect score!. Hurts a little bit hey.. Some days you feel motivated and prepared. You might even feel rewarded by your efforts and get perfect scores too. Other days though, you’re way too tired and just can’t be bothered. But no excuses, you’re expected to sit that test. Every. Single. Day. No sleep? who cares. Anxiety? Bucketloads. Oh and the cherry on top, if you don’t sit the test, well you know, ‘see you in another life’ is the outcome. Morbid, but it’s reality. I guess what I’m trying to say is that some days the pressure gets to us. We don’t want to study, we don’t want to have to sit a test everyday. Some days we just want to go to school to hang out with our friends. Ya know?
24.01.2022 The best part of Insulin Addict has easily been reaching people that I have never met before (or had never met prior). And not even reaching them through my story, but the simple fact that others have been able to express their support for people they know living with the condition. To me, it really goes to show the power of awareness, the power of sharing your story and the power of reaching out to others. So if you have been thinking of doing something similar, just know t...hat you really never know who you are inspiring, helping, supporting or impacting. The Magor’s have put things into perspective for me that’s for sure. The thing that resonated with me when these lovely ladies bought their tees, was the support and love they must have for each other. It told me that they have a you are not in this alone attitude towards diabetes and I’m sure as any family living through a chronic illness would know, is so important to be reminded of It made me then think of all the families who, even though they may only have one diabetic within their gene pool, are living through it together. Who constantly show up for each other. Who remind each other that they are proud of the hurdles that have been overcome. Who are there for the good days and bad. Sometimes it is the simple things that remind us who our biggest supporters are and it makes me so happy to see this through these gals. I know it may not have the same impact, but to anyone who hasn’t been told lately- you’re doing a great job. Life has been hard this year but I’m passing my own you are not in this alone attitude toward you We’ve got this. and YOU have got this.
23.01.2022 Thank you for your patience lovely people! Pre-orders will be available as of Monday the 1st of June!! I will be showing you 3 of my Brand new designs this Sunday! I think you’re going to love them and I CANT WAIT #typeonediabetes #apparel #tshirtdesign
23.01.2022 TYPE ONE OF A KIND! We're living in 2020 baby, time to own your story! What you ARE NOT because of your diabetes:... Unworthy Abnormal Weird Incapable A Burden What you ARE because of your diabetes: A Badass! Strong as hell! Type One Of A Kind!!! . . Not everyone has what it takes to live the life of a Diabetic, its extremely hard work, and look at you go, doing your thing, getting by, and proving what a strong and capable person you are! I really wanted this tee to empower people to embrace what makes you different! Available in my pre-order as of tomorrow, in blue or white
22.01.2022 Just a reminder that this weeks pre-orders are closing tonight at 11:30pm! Orders can still be made at www.insulinaddict.com.au or send me a message to secure yours
21.01.2022 Thank you so much for the support and positive feedback on the latest designs!!! Pre-Orders will be open tonight at 7pm vic time via www.insulinaddict.com.au or simply message me to secure yours
20.01.2022 PRE-ORDER: To secure an order either: -Commment on the pic with your size and colour preference (I will ask for contact details when confirming orders) ... Or send a message with design, size, colour preference and contact details
19.01.2022 ORDER UPDATE! Tees and hoodies from my latest preorder have arrived and will be packaged and posted this weekend/Monday
18.01.2022 PRE-ORDERS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! To secure your hoodie or tee check out my range at www.insulinaddict.com.au or simply message me and I can put you on my list . . Preorders will be open and available until 11:30pm (aus-vic time) Thursday 04/06/20. .... . . If you don’t make the cut off or want to wait for Afterpay to be up and ready on my site, I’ll be opening up a fortnightly pre-order so that no one misses out . . . For any questions or issues with my site please message me or email [email protected] See more
15.01.2022 Hey guys and gals! August is a huge month for me. Not only am I celebrating kicking diabetes’ butt for 19 years (as of tomorrow) but I am also participating in the The Type1 Foundation’s 10K for T1D challenge. That means I’ll be doing my best to complete 10,000 steps every day throughout August to help raise awareness and money for type one diabetes research ... Very lucky to be teaming up with a few of my favourite Aussie diabetic friends and have their support through it all Follow the link if you would like to support me and my fellow type ones while we sweat it up this Month https://www.mycause.com.au/page/231240/the-diavengers
14.01.2022 NEW PRODUCT ALERT!! Surprise I drew and painted this elephant in 2016 because I agreed a lot with what is said about the beautiful animal. They have such a positive symbolic meaning all over the world and are considered a symbol of good luck, power, success, wisdom and experience. Because elephants are highly social animals as well, they are also considered to be a symbol of loyalty, companionship and unity.... Back in 2016, I had a lot of positive feedback about this drawing and many who were interested in buying it. because of this, I was really hesitant to give it away because it was different from other drawings that I had done before so it felt quite unique and special to me. However, In the same year, my sister was diagnosed with type one diabetes. And I’m guessing you’re starting to put two and two together. The realisation came that this would be a great reason to give the elephant away. You might be thinking I gave it to my sister to show her a sign of good luck or something, and I could have, however, I decided to auction the elephant off to raise money for diabetic research to give a little hope for our family. As you can imagine, her diagnosis was a huge shock to our family. Although the signs were all there, we were all still in denial. I mean, what were the chances that two out of the three kids in our family would have type 1? Even though we are not an exception to this and there are statistics out there that we should have been more aware of , it really just seemed impossible. We were willing to accept and talk about other scenarios except for addressing the elephant in the room. For me this elephant symbolises so much more now. it not only encompasses all the positive associations that an elephant represents, but now it also symbolises hope, and is a reminder to be brave enough to talk about the things that are hard to address. I really want to encourage people to talk about their elephant in the room too, because getting things off your chest is so important and in doing so you never know who else you will be helping. I am now making these prints available to everyone and will be donating 10% of profits to The Danii Foundation, a diabetic foundation who’s values sit closely to my own.. They will be available through the link below in A3, A2 and A1 sizes. (Please feel free to direct message me for any other details.)
13.01.2022 BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS. This week it’s national diabetes week in Australia. This year the focus is on talking about mental health and diabetes, something that I am very passionate about. Just like we are taught in primary school. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. And like what we are taught today, you never know what people are going through behind the scenes, so just be kind. This post is a reminder for those looking in, Diabetes never goes aw...ay. Yes there are diabetics out there who are optimistic, who accept their condition or are at peace with it. But that doesn’t mean they like doing injections,. Doesn’t mean they like spending money to stay alive. And doesn’t make the condition a positive thing. Diabetics continuously need to make good out of bad situations. You know, its figuring out ways to make a high level into a better one. Understanding how to get ourselves out of bad moods caused by questioning ourselves and our condition. It is continuously learning from (countless) mistakes. Incorrect doses. Bad food choices. Inappropriate timing of all of the above. If you think about it, Diabetics learn through negativity every single day. So chances are a diabetic already has a million negative thoughts (or are trying not to a have a million) so please be careful what you say and the way you ask questions. It may be from a good place to ask Can you eat that? or by saying I know how you feel, my brothers friend has diabetes but sometimes the way things are worded can often be interpreted as judgment and can send the negative thoughts spiralling. For example: I still remember a boy I liked when I was 13 stopped talking to me because his friend teased him about my diabetes. Called him Needle dick of all appropriate things. Cue questioning my worth to the opposite sex. I still remember in primary school a friend choosing another friend over me because I had T1D for something as silly as who would you take to a deserted island with you. Cue worrying that people would use my condition against me. I still remember being drunkenly called a Diabetic f$&k. Cue feeling self conscious in social situations. I still remember getting asked Are you going to loose a leg one day?. Cue worrying about my future. I still remember being asked Do you even want to get better?. Cue wondering if it’s even worth it. I unfortunately carry this baggage around with me. Catch myself slipping back to these thoughts every now and then, and this is just ONE perspective of someone living with a chronic illness. You never truly know what impact your words will have, so just remember to think before you speak. And be kind, always.
12.01.2022 Today is my 19th diaversary!! And Insulin Addicts 1st birthday!! I cannot begin to thank each and every person that has supported me over these years. Whether I’ve met you recently or known you my entire life, I appreciate you in more ways than you know. And thank you so much for supporting Insulin Addict Big things are coming and I cannot wait to share more ideas with you. ... With a day of reflecting I thought I’d share with you 19 things I’ve learnt over 19 years living with t1d: 1. It’s ok to put your health first! 2. You are not a burden for carrying a burden. 3. Bolusing is your friend. 4. The more checks you do the better control you will have. 5. A bad level doesn’t make you a bad diabetic. Ever. 6. In fact there’s no such thing as a bad diabetic. 7. Everyone’s diabetes management is different, so don’t expect something that works for someone else to work for you and vice versa. 8. CHECK ON YOUR EYES!!!! 9. And go to all of your annual and monthly check ups. Things can change so quickly so best to keep on top of it. 10. A bit blunt to say but Diabetes will catch up on you, no matter how invincible you feel. 11. There is so much value in finding a health care team who get you as a person before they can understand you as a diabetic!! 12. NEVER be scared to ask for help. 13. Don’t take things personal that weren’t meant personally. But educate if you feel like it will benefit others or will benefit you and your feelings. 14. Tomorrow is a new day and everything is figureoutable. Sometimes it’s a ‘one day at a time’ attitude that will get you through. 15. Never hide your diabetes. 16. Celebrate the small wins and celebrate getting through another year of having type 1- it’s another year that you’ve made it through without thinking you could. and tbh that’s something to be bloody proud of. 17. There is so much power in finding others who you can relate to 18. You are not being a nuisance by addressing or taking time to work on your diabetes. Eg needing your sit down for 5 minutes at work to get your levels back up. 19. Diabetes doesn’t define who you are. Remember that
12.01.2022 Did you know that as a Diabetic your Pancreas isn't actually dead!? Calling anyone who has a micro defibrillator, I think one side of my pancreas needs to be shocked back into action. Read the technical side to it through this blog post by Jordan Hoese MD, MPH ... https://onedrop.today/blogs/blog/your-pancreas-isnt-dead See more
07.01.2022 Quote of the day by Rob Palmer on JDRF’s Instagram stories: It’s worth celebrating the wins I reckon. 5.9!? Give me a parking ticket! Who cares! My blood sugar level is fantastic Do yourself a favour and go watch him speak. Such a good life/diabetes perspective!!! Man he’s coming up with some great one liners. Caught myself in the sads this week but watching him reminded me to think of the positives
07.01.2022 THE GUMMY BEAR HOODIE! That’s right, the first official hoodie added to Insulin Addicts Collection. . . . I have been so excited to share this design that I worked on with my sister .... It was a fitting project between 2 sisters, both who have Type One Diabetes. From growing up together sharing teddy bears and barbie dolls to now sharing a love for the same hypo snacks - Sour Patch Kids and Haribo sour gummy bears! . . The bright colours within these bears not only remind us of our fun childhood full of imagination, but actually come from Aliza's year 12 art project where she conducted a series of redox reactions. That piece was then selected for the South Australian Certificate of Education Art Exhibition and was honestly something truly breathtaking to look at! . . A redox reaction is a type of chemical reaction which the oxidation state of atoms are changed. Redox reactions are characterised by the actual or formal transfer of electrons between chemical species most often when one is going though oxidation, and the other is going through reduction. It's an extremely fitting concept as change is inevitable when you are newly diagnosed. . . These Hoodies are a great reminder that change does not have to be a scary thing and a reminder that colour can always come out of the darkness or change. . . Available for preorder TOMORROW in black white or grey, and also as a tee! See more
06.01.2022 Over on my instagram I have been participating in a 7 day challenge to show everyday life with t1D particularly to show how CGMs can be implemented to save lives. For my day DAY 1.... The first topic I covered was SLEEP and type one diabetes. Something that is so ‘everyday’ that people may not ever realise gets impacted ALOT by type one diabetes. . One of my favourite things to do is SLEEP IN! But this has been something that for years growing up I was not allowed to do be...cause of the strict routine that comes with insulin doses. It got me thinking though about how such a second nature thing like sleeping in can effect my levels. And here is where I introduce the term The dawn phenomenon I recently researched the dawn phenomenon and found it is the term given to a rise in blood sugar levels early in the morning. It comes from the body naturally releasing hormones such as adrenaline, growth hormones, glucagon, and cortisol which help our bodies to get ready for the day. Along with these hormones, there are two natural processes that happen in our liver overnight that release glucose into our body, gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Ordinarily, insulin would be released to help move glucose out of the blood stream and into cells to store as energy.. but you can see the predicament for a diabetic... we can’t release any insulin so our blood sugar levels therefore keep rising. If a diabetics levels stay high for too long, they are at high risk of developing ketones (ketoacidosis) and going into DKA. Cue waking up, checking your finger prick and giving a dose of insulin. . While this is not to say that type one diabetics cannot sleep in because boy oh boy do I do this a lot...it’s just to show an extra line of thinking that we have to take into account with our diabetes management. The danii foundation have prompted us to show how CGM’s can help save lives and I think in this situation it is easy to see a CGM would be the perfect way to see when these behaviours are happening so that you can talk to your specialist team to work out how they can be prevented. Imagine a world where you can sleep in without the fear of waking up high with ketones? #cgmsforall
05.01.2022 If you have ever wondered if non-diabetics are allowed to wear my products, then don’t be silly, YOU WILL DEFINITELY CATCH TYPE ONE DIABETES!!!!. Totally kidding of course you can!! This long sleeve has become a staple in Tom’s wardrobe (who btw does not have T1D, lucky bugger) and was designed specifically with non-diabetics in mind. With the "Juice Boxes Save Lives" range, I wanted to create a design that would be less obvious that my original tee, but one that would leave you questioning what it means. When you look at the design, does it make you want to know what it is all about? Don’t think of my designs as something that only T1D’s are allowed to wear, but an opportunity to raise awareness and educate people who ask questions! That's what it's all about :)
04.01.2022 Hiya lovely humans! I’m opening up a non-obligatory PRE-ORDER! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:... -Non-obligatory means order now, pay later. -I will be ordering all expressions of interest, however, if in the time that the tees/hoodies are produced you decide you no longer want or can not afford when I send a payment request, your tee will be up for grabs for someone else. -Orders will be processed 30th october through direct messsage at this stage (not through website as I am away without wifi) - I will be ordering extras of the most popular design so will have spares if you miss out on ordering. -kids sizes are available -overseas shipping available (however with Covid there is no guarantee they will get to you by Christmas) -Aussies: Get in now so that your fave tees can get to you by Chrissy WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: -Send me a message (or comment on my next post) with your size, colour preference, design choice and contact details.
03.01.2022 We live in a visual world. Less people are willing to accept or acknowledge the burden of chronic illnesses if they can’t visibly see you effected. This is just the surface of my life with Type 1 diabetes. And hey, you might know a type one diabetic. You might see them finger prick or take insulin or wear a pump and think that is all there is to it. You might even be tempted to say Well at least it’s not as bad as other diseases after seeing a wee little finger prick. But you don’t see it all. Believe me.
02.01.2022 The Rage Bolus Tee was inspired by the iconic TV show "Rugrats"! . . Did you know that the word "rugrat" actually means baby/toddler? Me either.... but speaking of, If sugar levels had a spirit animal, I guarantee it would definitely be a toddler!! Think about it: levels get kind of crazy; seems to be a lot of gibberish; they’re stubborn; moody; sassy; you’re always learning from them; and there are definitely energy levels that go up and down..... . . When levels are unpredictable like this it is easy to feel the need to rage bolus.. I don’t recommend it but I’d be lying if I said I’ve never done it before . . A "Rage Bolus" is a large dose of insulin administered after prolonged and frustratingly high levels. This is often followed with a low blood sugar level as a result.. see up and down, does not make sense.... but most importantly an experience to learn from! . . Secure your rage bolus tee by preordering on Monday 01/06/20 See more
02.01.2022 Big news for me this week. I’ve cracked the 7’s. A1c of 7.9% so just scraping in, but I’m totally claiming it. This is control that I have not had since I was probably 13yo.. like seriously I don’t remember the last time my results were below 8. Slowly (and I mean it’s taken a few years) but surely I have taken my >13% and have brought it down. TBH I am stoked. I am proud. I am happy. But at the back of my mind I have this fear, and it’s something that I’m needing to get off... of my chest. Before I go on here is a TRIGGER WARNING because I’m about to get personal and might be a bit sad for some to read... Look, Living with a chronic illness, it becomes easy to play the victim card. Dwell on the unfairness. Or focus too much on what you must be missing out on in life. When focusing on negativity you can fall into the trap of telling yourself that you actually deserve it. That in some way you must be paying for all the bad things you’ve ever said or done. Finding some sort of clarity or reason as to why. Why you? But it is bullshit. Don’t do it. I find it hard to admit but in the past I have self sabotaged my diabetes control. And it is for the exact reason of spending too much time in my head. I lost someone extremely close to me in the middle of a big burn out that I was working really hard to recover from. Instead of talking it out and trying to process it, I took it as a sign. What was the point in working towards something good if something bad will follow? You know, I’d rather put up with the bad if it means loosing someone again? etc etc. Ive carried this with me forever. I know it is why I have struggled getting my hba1c lower. I am terrified that if I get it down, that something bad will happen. So for me to get it to 7.9% to me shows just how far I have come mentally. And with a little input from my sister now its just about pushing past the prophecy. I can do it. and the bad things that happen are not because I choose to be happy. It’s hard, but so important not to overthink it. Your Diagnosis. That high level. Why you? The thing about life is that things are always going to happen- good and bad- no matter what you do. So just keep going .
01.01.2022 Contrary to popular non-diabetic belief, #Type1diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar, in fact, sugar is one thing that literally can save our lives! If you’re uncommon with the term HYPOGLYCAEMIA, it is the condition where blood sugar levels drop too low, usually below 4mmol (depending on the person and their sensitivity). Going LOW causes an array of unpleasant side affects, and can lead to unconsciousness (or worse) if untreated. A common way to treat a Low is J...UICE. Now, let me tell you something amazing about this tasty liquid. Juice is kind of like watching a movie instead of reading the book, you know, less work is involved.. In the case of drinking juice, it takes less energy for the sugar in juice to be broken down compared to fruit in its full form because it readily transports its nutrients and is absorbed quickly in the bloodstream. If the sugar comes with inheret fibre (such as whole fruit) not only will there be a slower rise in blood sugar levels due to the digestion process,but up to 30% of this sugar will not be absorbed. In normal circumstances this is great because the fibre is metabolised and helps improve microbial diversity to help against disease..BUT when your hands are shaking as hard as your dogs tail when you get home from being out all day, you’re sweating profusely and all your energy is depleating, increasing your sugar levels quickly is a priority. I’ll be the first to tell you that sometimes sipping out of a juice box is all the energy one can handle when having a hypo, and I know for sure that on many occasions a juice box has saved my life. What are your sure fire ways at tackling your hypos? Comment some below
