LIVINGLIVING
Above: Martyn Ullah's alerts. Below: The FreeStyle Libre
sensor system which he relies on.
16 months I try to wear one pretty much
all the time as it helps me to do my job
better. A blood test is pretty quick but
there's so many bits and bobs you have to
get it out, do the test, then put it all away
again. With the Libra I carry the monitor
my pocket. I just get it out and swipe the
sensor. It gives a graph and shows trends;
it's all I need It means I can do my job to
the best of my ability without having my
pockets full. The sensor stays on me all
the time. Sometimes people comment
on it, as I use a Tubigrip over it just so
I don't accidentally knock it off as I do
rush around a lot, and it's quite physical.
If people get intrigued I show them the
sensor and explain it."
Life science
At university Ullah was studying sports
coaching and science. He did two years
then took a year out, but didn't go back.
"To be honest my control was fairly
rough at University," he admits, "I wasn't
looking after myself but I did start getting
to get things back under control. Doing
the DAFNE course has been important.
I wore a Libra sensor during the week
I was doing it, and by the third day my
control was perfect. DAFNE has been a
huge help. When I was diagnosed all the
information really went to my parents. I
was quite young I didn't listen as I had my
parents there to rely on. When I went on
the pump I was given more information,
but I'm not sure it was enough. I found
out more later and felt I should have been
told it back then. There was some pump
education and support but nowhere near
as thorough as doing DAFNE."
The good news is that these days Ullah
is at the top of his diabetes game. "Right
now I'm really happy on the pump along
with the Libre sensor. I recently moved my
job location. Still with the same company
but away from home. Things are going
really well. I still use the Libre sensors and
they have been fantastic; without them, I
think my blood sugars would have been
all over the place!"
www.freestylelibre.co.uk
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