{Interview} Ellie Selby, Person with T1D
T1D Inspiring Interviews Series
Hey guys. Happy 2021. It’s a new year and it’s time for a new interview!
I had a little chat with Ellie Selby, person with type 1 diabetes and all-round good egg! She’s got a great Instagram account that I encourage you all to check out!
Ellie shares the ups, the downs (+ everything in between) which such candour and honesty. Her refreshing take on T1D is a welcome relief, and for anyone reading along, I hope you feel a little less alone with your condition.
Full disclosure: Ellie was a client of mine last year and she was a DREAM to work with. It’s so great we’ve continued to stay connected over IG.
Without further ado, on to the reason why you’re all here - the interview with Ellie!
1) Tell us your type 1 journey! What age were you when you were diagnosed / what symptoms did you have?
I was 20 and felt terrible. I'd not noticed I'd lost 3 stones and was going out/drinking a fair amount to try and forget the fact I felt terrible. I remember I told one of my friends after I'd eaten that my blood felt like thick syrup (I freaked out about this when I was later diagnosed). My Dad had recently been diagnosed with Type 2, so I stole one of his ketostix and and then tried to forget the fact it turned black. A week later I felt even worse, so booked a GP appointment. I was tired, constantly thirsty and going to the toilet, dizzy and had blurred vision. The GP pricked my finger and called the nearest hospital, who saw me an hour later. I was supposed to be admitted but begged to go home - our family dog had been put down that morning and not gonna lie, I just wanted my mum and my own bed haha.
2) What do you wish you'd known when you were newly diagnosed?
I wish someone had fully explained the implications and seriousness of the diagnosis. I feel like the consultants and nurses I saw were treading on eggshells because they didn't want to upset me.
3) What is the worst thing about T1D?
I know everyone says it but the fact there is no escape. Sometimes when a hypo hits after a bad day I just don't have the energy left to power on and these moments are probably my lowest points.
4) (Curveball) What is the best thing about T1D?
Hands down this community, I owe so much to so many people and I'm grateful every day.
5) What are the main challenges of living with type 1?
Trying to smile and remain positive when low at work. The exhaustion. The annoyance of post gym hypos. The mental burden on loved ones. Trying not to worry about "what ifs", and last but not least, shitty and inaccurate type 1 representation in the media and on tv, urgh.
6) How do you deal with these challenges?
Yoga, meditation, coffee, puppy cuddles. My partner does a truly amazing job of supporting me, especially when I'm struggling to cope and want to give up.
7) Where do you find support/how do you access support?
My first DSN was amazing - she's the reason I have a pump and a cgm. Unless I have a medical issue that does need specialist input, I generally access support and advice online, primarily through Instagram. I still find it insane that I discovered the Type 1 IG community 7 years ago and am still in contact with the same inspirational and kind-hearted people today.
8) Can you recommend any great podcasts or blogs?
Every time I go to listen to a podcast I can never choose and just listen to music and read instead. Am I old?
9) Have you ever 'hidden' your type 1?
Not intentionally. There have been occasions where I've been in meetings and I've ignored the fact that I needed to bolus for 30 minutes because I'm too embarrassed to pull my pump out from my bra. It's usually when I'm the only female in the room and I'm concerned about appearing unprofessional to those that aren't diabetes tech-aware by rummaging around in my top. Why is it so hard to find dresses and skirts with pockets?!
10) How do you think type 1 has affected your relationship with your body?
Sometimes bruises and site insertions gone wrong get me down, but on the whole type 1 has actually improved my relationship with my body. I'm more in awe of what bodies do and am grateful that mine functions every day, with a little help from modern medicine and myself. I'm considerably less hard on myself and in a weird way I actually respect myself more and have greater self-worth.
11) How do you think type 1 has changed your approach to life and living?
I'm certainly more grateful for what I do have. I'm more aware of death and for the potential for things to go wrong which scares me. I rely on other people more (which I absolutely detest) and I force myself to rest when run down.
12) Type 1 is classified as a physical condition, but we all know there is an emotional burden too. Could you describe your experiences?
I struggle with separating the diabetes-related mental burden from the non-diabetes related... and I also have Bipolar Disorder. I've never experienced a distinct, prolonged phase of what I'd consider "burnout", but when stressed and struggling emotionally, I will let the tiniest diabetic frustration completely dominate my mood for hours. I hate the fact that sometimes before I've even got up, I've already got 6-8 hours of terrible blood sugars under my belt, which will then go on to affect my mood for the rest of the day. In terms of which I find harder to deal with, the emotional burden of type 1 far outweighs the physical, for me.
BONUS quick-fire round:
Omnipod or Medtronic?
Medtronic
Libre or Dexcom?
(Have tried both plus Medtronic and still Medtronic Enlite for me, sorry)
Juice or jelly babies?
Juice. Jelly babies scare me
Balmy summer nights or crisp wintry mornings?
Frozen wintery mornings!
Yoga or gym bunny?
Both!
Porridge or pancakes?
I eat porridge more but I definitely prefer pancakes
Diet Coke or Kombucha?
Can I opt for water pls?
Novorapid or Fiasp?
Novorapid
Halo Top or Oatly ice cream?
Halo Top
Morning bird or night owl?
Night owl
IGTV or Instagram Stories?
Definitely stories