{Interview} Pete Lomas, Founder of NJaP
T1D Inspiring Interviews Series
Hey guys [waves]. Welcome back to another interview!
I had a little chat with Pete Lomas, person with type 1 diabetes and founder of patch company Not Just a Patch.
Not Just a Patch is designed to give maximum protection for your Freestyle Libre, Dexcom, MiaoMiao or Medtronic devices. The patch design is completely unique and original, designed by Pete after he found himself preoccupied with just how loose his Libre was getting - before the 14 days of wear was up.
If you’re familiar with the patches, you’ll know how colour they are . They’re designed to make a statement, so you can own your T1D tech and wear your diabetes on your sleeve (as a badge of honour).
Pete kindly sent me a sample of patches earlier this year and I haven’t looked back. I am always 100% confident that my Dexcom is going to stay in place if I use NJaP. I also wrote a guest blog post for them which you can read here: it’s ALLL about CGMs.
So if you’re a device wearer and you’re in need of some patches - check out NJaP!
Without further ado, on to the reason why you’re all here - the interview with Pete!
Hey Pete! Welcome. Please tell us your type 1 journey! What age were you when you were diagnosed / what symptoms did you have?
I was 30 and living in London. I was training for the London Marathon and looking forward to spending Christmas in an Italian farmhouse with friends. I started peeing like crazy, was thirsty as hell and then my eyesight got blurry. I was telling my mate my symptoms and he suggested a Boots test kit. This led to a GP visit then a hospital trip. Woke up non-diabetic, went to bed diabetic. The twists and turns of life huh ;-)
What do you wish you'd known when you were newly diagnosed?
Nothing really…but if you want an answer, I wish I'd known what the catalyst was for the autoimmune response that killed the beta cells in my pancreas.
What is the worst thing about type 1 diabetes?
General inconvenience.
(Curveball) What is the best thing about type 1 diabetes?
I have a richer understanding of my body and its relationship to the things I put in it. And it's led me to create a business which has become a fulfilling passion and given my life a purpose that it previously lacked.
What are the main challenges of living with type 1?
1) It makes people around me worry and I don't want them to.
2) It impacts my health and my mood.
How do you deal with these challenges?
I try to reassure the people that it’s all OK and I take a balanced approach to life - enjoying as much as I can, not held back by diabetes.
Where do you find support/how do you access support?
I've just found a nurse educator, but until now I'd been pretty solo.
Can you recommend any great podcasts or blogs?
1) Beth's nutrition blog is practical and digestible (excuse the pun).
2) I like Dr. Rhonda Patrick's advice on nutrition.
3) Joe Rogan's podcast for entertainment and new perspectives.
4) Sam Harris's podcast for cultural, philosophical, political and social perspectives.
Have you ever 'hidden' your type 1 diabetes?
Hmmmm…no.
How do you think type 1 diabetes has affected your relationship with your body?
As above, much richer appreciation for the effects of food, exercise, stress and all internal and external stimuli.
How do you think type 1 diabetes has changed your approach to life and living?
Very little actually. I have found a community and feel part of that, as well the Not Just a Patch business has given me purpose and passion. I love helping T1Ds.
Type 1 diabetes is classified as a physical condition, but we all know there is an emotional burden too. Could you describe your experiences?
When I have hypos I tend to want to be left alone and can become frustrated. I don't like it when my partner thinks that I can manage my T1D better. I don't like my friends and loved ones worrying about me.
When did you launch NJaP and what was the reason behind that?
I had the idea in January 2019 and our first sale in July 2019. The reason was that I had been wearing the Libre for a year and found that by the end of the two weeks it was always getting loose and I was constantly thinking about it. I was also swimming more and had started doing hot yoga. With swimming 40 laps there was no way that the Libre stayed in place so I was making my own makeshift patches. I had been thinking about starting a business for a while and after listening to a podcast on entrepreneurship, this galvanised the idea to launch a CGM patch business. The design is unique and original and I am very proud of it.
What is your favourite patch / colour from the online shop?
Haha, well it was black at the start but now I tend to rotate with yellow being my current fave :-)
BONUS quick-fire round:
Pump or pens?
Pens
Finger pricks or CGM?
Finger pricks
Orange juice or jelly babies?
Jelly babies or dates or Haribo
Balmy summer nights or crisp wintry mornings?
Damn! Got to be a tie tbh - love them both
Yoga or swimming?
Haha probably yoga now, my body is falling apart and yoga is a little more gentle
Beach or mountains?
Damn again…tie
Porridge or pancakes?
Neither, I don't eat much breakfast these days as I do intermittent fasting as often as I can. If I do have breaky, it will be a bacon egg and cheese everything bagel or bacon, eggs, avocado, mushrooms and sourdough toasted
Diet Coke or Kombucha?
DC
Novorapid or Fiasp?
Novo
Vegemite or Marmite?
Haha got to be Vegemite but I do also like Marmite
Morning bird or night owl?
I've been both. Currently night owl due to business demands
Melbourne or Sydney?
I live in Sydney and it's the most naturally beautiful city in the world. I have many friends in Melbourne and have spent much time there and think that its culture and people are second to none