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Are there any positives of your experience with having diabetes?
When I was first diagnosed I was constantly searching and asking if there was any update on a cure. Truth be told the technology is getting so good now it never really causes me any major problems. I talk a lot about living with it on my social media channels and I can honestly say that hearing from other type 1 diabetics and how they're overcoming the condition brings me so much joy! Anytime I see someone with a tab on their arm or taking an injection in public I'm immediately drawn to them. I started a conversation with a chap in the changing room just because he had a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) on his arm! I love to know how they deal with it.
What would you say to anyone who’s recently been diagnosed, where could they seek help and support or resources?
It's ok to be frustrated at first! It can be overwhelming and you can feel like you're the only one in the world living with it. Then you'll get to a stage of acceptance and you'll find out that when controlled it shouldn't have a negative impact on your life and how you live it! Reach out to JDRF and Diabetes UK! They do such incredible work with newly diagnosed diabetics! You control it, it doesn't control you!
You’re always so upbeat and positive, do you have any quotes or sayings or methods you live by?
I recently went back to studying and before I did I heard "the fool is the precursor to the saviour" the first few weeks I felt like nothing was going in and couldn't believe how bad I was at not consuming information. The first time you go to do something you'll be so bad you'll have wished you hadn't started. But new habits will form and before you know it you'll understand why you started!
Finally, doughnuts or pizza? Or both?
Pizza all day long! (Make that a meat feast- just don't forget the insulin!)
For help and support please visit Diabetes UK
Thanks so much for reading
Mat
Don't forget you can follow Mat on Instagram: @mathewlcarter
"When I was first diagnosed I was constantly searching and asking if there was any update on a cure"