The FreeStyle podcast series from Abbott discusses real experiences from those living with diabetes or caring for a loved one with diabetes. We find out more about the challenges they face, and provide inspiration for living your best life with a diabetes diagnosis.
In this episode we meet Ken Tait, psychotherapist, and Chair of Diabetes UK-Bromley. Ken lives with Type 2 and believes that if people support each other no matter which type of diabetes they live with, they can learn to manage their condition more effectively. He wants to raise awareness of the reality of life with Type 2, and says people with the condition should have equal access to diabetes technology.
14 Jul 2022
Episode 15: Senior Sensory Worker for the Leeds Hearing & Sight Loss Service, Karl Proud
After being diagnosed with Type 1 in 1979, Karl has also been living with a visual impairment for more than 20 years. He says technology has been “an absolute game changer” and has allowed him to take better control of managing his diabetes. He’s passionate about raising awareness of Type 1, inclusion, and accessibility of technology.
26 Jan 2022
Episode 14: The transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care services
Teenager Johnny Bailey and clinical psychologist Deborah Christie examine the transition from paediatric to adult care services for young people living with diabetes. Johnny gets to “ask Dr Deborah” key questions about how to navigate this important time in his journey and gets tips on how to carry on living his best life.
26 Jan 2022
Episode 13: School teacher and mum Mairead Parker
From being diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of four, to learning how to manage her condition during her pregnancy, teacher Mairéad Parker explains how she’s learned to call diabetes her “superpower”.
7 Jul 2021
Episode 12: Marketing professional and farmer Laura Yates
Tune in to get a slice of farming life with Laura Yates. She was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 13, learning to live with diabetes while looking after the cattle and sheep on her family farm in Shropshire. Laura says she’s proud of the way she faces her challenges and wants to use her experience to empower others.
We spoke to extreme sports enthusiast Eoghan Quinn who has been living with Type 1 since the age of four and says the challenges give him a chance to show that diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back.
8 Jun 2021
Episode 10: Singer and actress Amelia Lily
We chat to singer and actress Amelia Lily. She shot to fame aged only 16 but has been living with Type 1 since she was three years old. She says diabetes doesn’t have to stop you achieving your dreams.
1 Jun 2021
Episode 9: Award-winning TV producer Phil Bigwood
Our podcast guest, award-winning TV producer Phil Bigwood, shares how his job has taken him to some of the biggest sporting events on the planet. Phil has lived with diabetes for more than 40 years and says it’s important not to stay silent about Type 1.
24 May 2021
Episode 8: Amateur Runner and Former Irish Rowing Champion Aoife Willis
In this episode, we catch up with amateur runner and former Irish rowing champion Aoife Willis. Diagnosed at the age of 20, she recently reached a major turning point in her journey with Type 1. Aoife says she’s overcome her fears and while she has diabetes – it doesn’t have her.
11 Feb 2021
Episode 7: Triathlete and sports model Elise Quarrington
In this episode we hear from “The Athletic Diabetic” Elise Quarrington and learn how she’s getting some help from a four-legged friend. Elise was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 24 and says learning to live with diabetes has made her stronger.
19 Jan 2021
Trailer
15 Jan 2021
Episode 6: Professional boxer Muhammad Ali
This episode is a real knockout, as we speak to boxer Muhammad Ali. His name wasn’t inspired by the legendary fighter, but he says it did lead him to his chosen career. He’s now the first boxer to receive a professional licence while living with Type 1 diabetes.
8 Jan 2021
Episode 5: Sky News presenter Stephen Dixon
In this episode, we get the story behind the headlines with Stephen Dixon, one of the faces of Sky News for the past 20 years. He’s interviewed everyone from politicians to pop stars, all while living with Type 1 diabetes.
1 Jan 2021
Episode 4: British GT Motorsport driver, Ben Wallace
In this episode, we talk to Ben Wallace, known for his role as a British GT Motorsport driver. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of one, Ben says he was brought up to believe he could do anything he wanted, and he’s not let his condition slow him down
17 Jul 2020
Episode 3: The Diabetic Health Coach, Vanessa Haydock
In this episode, we talk to Vanessa Haydock, known as the Diabetic Health Coach. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, she now provides personal training, online health coaching and board-certified behavioural analysis to those with diabetes. Taking on the mantra of having a positive attitude, she aims to improve the lives of those living with the condition.
18 May 2020
Episode 2: Solo Sailor Jack Trigger
In this episode, we talk to Jack Trigger, an accomplished solo sailor with a number of amazing racing trophies under his belt. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 21 after a difficult journey out at sea, but it hasn’t stopped him – he’s even planning to compete in the Vendée Globe, which is a solo non-stop yacht race around the world with no assistance.
13 Apr 2020
Episode 1: Actually Mummy Helen Wills
In this episode, we talk to Helen Wills, better known as blogger Actually Mummy. Her daughter, Maddie, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of nine. We chat about what life is like for parents of children living with diabetes, and how they both make the most of the challenges they’ve faced.
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