Shortly after the previous post, I received a phonecall from the Diabetes department at the hospital. They said that I needed to be there within half an hour as they had only just seen my referral letter and were concerned for my health. When I got there, they expected me to be much worse than I was and even had admission papers ready. Luckily I appeared to be OK, although my level was still 25 mmol/l. This began what was a very traumatic afternoon, not physically but mentally. Even though (being a scientist) I understand the mechanisms of Insulin action, I knew little about the condition. The reality I was told was that I had type I diabetes, and therefore would need to inject insulin for the rest of my life. This didn't hit me immediately as my needle phobia had well and truly taken hold. However, through the excellent support of the entire team (or so it seemed) at the diabetes clinic and my wonderful wife, I was able by the end of the afternoon to self-administer the first of probably 75,000 insulin injections I would need in my lifetime.
For the past four years I've been invited by Abbott to a conference bringing together people with diabetes from across Europe to discuss various topics. The first year I was meant to attend, it was my 'man v horse' year (the horse won!), so was unable to attend and then the pandemic hit so two further dX's were held virtually. I was fortunate to be asked to present at last year's session. This year's event was back in-person and held in Barcelona, coinciding with the latter part of the ATTD conference. At this point, I must make it very clear - Abbott invited me to the 2022 European Diabetes Exchange forum (dX), that took place in Barcelona. I attended this two-day event to connect and interact with inspirational and influential people in the diabetes community. Abbott paid for my ticket and accommodation. #InvitedbyAbbott. This is formal and it needs to be - I have not been required to do anything by Abbott as a result of my attendance and I hope that m
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