My name is Rebecca, but that’s only when I am in trouble. I prefer Bec. I’m the new diabetes educator at the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, and I’ve had type 1 since I was 2.5 years old.
Managing My Diabetes
I currently manage my diabetes using the Medtronic 780G insulin pump and Guardian 4 continuous glucose monitoring system. I have experienced HbA1c levels as low as 5.5% and as high as 12.7%. Despite the ups and downs, I’m still alive, well, and enjoying life — with diabetes as my passenger, not my leader.
There are, of course, days when I hate living with diabetes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked, “Why me?” And who doesn’t want to punch their partner in the throat for eating an entire block of chocolate with no consequences? I know I have! That being said, and I know this is controversial, most days I love living with type 1. It has given me so many amazing life experiences (not always good!) and, most importantly, the skills to help others living with it.
My Accomplishments
I’ve worked hard in my life to achieve many things. (I promise this isn’t a brag — there is a point to this list.)
I am a registered nurse.
I am a credentialed diabetes educator.
I have a counseling degree.
I started studying midwifery but decided it wasn’t for me.
I am currently studying skills in play therapy.
I have been married for 12 years.
I have three children aged 10, 8, and 5.
I have experienced and overcome mental health problems.
I bake cakes and sew for fun.
And I have done all this living with type 1 diabetes since I was 2.5 years old. So, I am here as your living proof that life can be everything you want it to be, and there is absolutely no reason to let type 1 hold you back!
Why I Became a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE)
In short, I became a CDE because I didn’t want all the things I’ve learned to be wasted. Unless you have walked this journey, you can’t possibly understand how it feels and how hard it is. This isn’t to say other educators aren’t qualified, but I became a CDE because I GET IT! This understanding makes it easier for me to offer support and encouragement. Most of my clients know I have diabetes and feel happy to get on board with my suggestions because they know I wouldn’t tell them to do anything I haven’t tried myself.
I studied to become a CDE in 2016 while pregnant with my second child. I studied mostly online and attended my mid-year exam when my baby was 5 weeks old; I don’t really remember it that well. Thank goodness for all the years of lived experience!
Since then, I’ve used my skills in both a private GP clinic and a public hospital. I’ve learned so much from these experiences. However, I was often frustrated because government funding and service budgets tended to prioritize over client care. After reflecting on what I have to offer, I decided that the public health service wasn’t for me. I can be a better educator and support working in collaboration with The Type 1 Family Centre.
Building Relationships
I love working as a CDE. It has changed how I manage my diabetes, and it has helped me build incredible relationships with clients. I learn just as much from my clients as they do from me. I believe a collaborative relationship enriches lifelong diabetes management.
Frustrations in the Current Healthcare System
The current healthcare system lacks two essential things: access and continuity. Living with a chronic condition, we shouldn’t have to wait months for support. When we do get appointments, they are often with different clinicians each time. This means we spend the entire consultation trying to explain our story, our journey, and the specific issues with our diabetes.
Type 1 is not textbook. Too often, if our experiences don’t match the textbook approach, we’re left to fend for ourselves or labeled as “non-compliant.” I am fed up with this, so I needed to find a way to help others living the same complicated, messy condition I have dealt with for 32 years!
The SEE Approach to Diabetes Management
I focus on more than just numbers. I’m not interested in what insulin you take or how many times a day you prick your finger. What matters to me is who you are. What motivates you? What inspires you? What makes you anxious?
My approach as a CDE is to S.E.E. diabetes – Support, Educate, and Empower. Once I learn who you are, I can offer the support and education needed to help you feel empowered to take charge of your own life. Together, we will address your fears, anxieties, and obstacles to living your best life with type 1. The numbers will naturally follow! We’ll celebrate incredible changes in time in range, HbA1c, or feelings of self-worth and accomplishment.
That is what I am here for. No judgment, no pressure. Just a friend to help you walk this journey confidently. I've been through the highs and lows of living with type 1, so I truly understand. I am fortunate to have extra skills to help you achieve your goals.
If You'd Like to Get to Know Me Better
I recently joined Adam, Benjamin, and Carly on the Life in Beta podcast. The episode is called "The Club That No One Wants to Join."
You can stream the episode below or search "Life in Beta diabetes" in your favorite podcasting app.
Make an Appointment
I'm based in Bendigo, Victoria, and I see all my clients via telehealth (phone or video). So, no matter where you are in Australia, I've got you covered.
You can book an appointment online here or call the Type 1 Family Centre at 08 9446 6446.
Don't let diabetes define you; let it empower you!
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