top of page

WELCOME TO 
TINA'S TYPE ONE

The Sweet Life of Diabetes

186c5451-63d2-4875-9cdf-c605dd681776_edited.jpg
Home: Welcome

ABOUT ME

My DiaStory.

5a14ea81-da52-4216-8330-1313a448b5b9_edited.jpg

Diagnosed at the age of twelve, I remember worrying more about the fact that I was in hospital, over the fact that I had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Thankfully with the support of my family and friends, alongside the wonderful doctors and nurses, my week there flew by, learning a lot of brand new information along the way. It was when I went back to school, that diabetes became a bit of a concern. 

​

Like everyone else who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, stuff like puberty, exams, even simply going for a night out with friends started to cause stress. Till I found the Maltese Diabetes Association Children's Summer Camp and started meeting other children who, like myself, were struggling with the same issues. 

​

I got involved with the local diabetes association ever since, volunteering in events and even aided in the organisation of an international exchange. In 2018, I was lucky enough to be nominated to go to Czech Republic for IDF Europe's Leadership Camp. It was the first time I travelled alone, and the first time I met people from different countries living with diabetes. Saying I've learnt a lot would be an understatement. 

​

Now I want to share my sweet life of living with diabetes with you! With the hope that my life journey could help out with yours, whether you're a person living with type 1 diabetes or not. 

Home: About
Home: Blog2
Home: Instagram
Search

Let's Catch Up

  • Writer: tinas_typeone
    tinas_typeone
  • Sep 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

I know it's been a while since you've heard and seen of me... but the truth is my life was in turmoil and couldn't keep up.


If you're new here... Welcome đź’™


So what happened?


Well, I graduated in Accounting and started working my full-time corporate job which consumed most of my energy till I got used to it. The bit that was left was allocated to a slight social life and my diabetes management.


However, a lot has changed and I'm here to tell you ALL about it. From free CGMs, to changing insulin and attending more international camps, my life in diabetes advocacy has changed for the better, and as of recently, I turned over a new leaf.


My new leaf...


Re-joining and rejuvenating the Maltese Diabetes Association


Whilst I never left the association, it was pretty dormant following Covid and I was not really trying my best to be involved - that is until they reached out to me to be the chairperson of a Seminar taking place for World Diabetes Month.


From there, the ball started rolling.


I held a few meetings here and there with the Association and started coming up with ideas to revamp and bring back the Association as we knew it... and hopefully for the better.


Having shown this much sudden interest, the President of the Association reached out to me to re-apply for IDF Europe's Youth Leadership Lab and so I did...


IDF Europe's Youth Leadership Lab ("YLL")

As you probably noticed - I was in fact one of the few to get chosen to re-attend YLL, and what an experience that was.


I got to meet the most beautiful and inspiring people who created so many great things. I think YLL deserves a blog post in itself because this space is too small to capture such a wonderful experience - so stay tuned for that!


The camp reignited the fire I thought I lost.


From there, I arrived back in Malta with so many new ideas that I can develop and adapt. In fact, it was the main drive which helped me plan and organise the Youth Summer Camp for people living with type 1 diabetes in Malta, alongside the Maltese Diabetes Association.


Youth Summer Camp

In the past, the Maltese Diabetes Association used to organise a Children's Educational Summer Camp every year. However, after COVID this all came to a halt. After YLL and understanding the value of having a diabetes community, I was determined to rekindle these yearly camps - this year, with a twist.


The camp was particularly focused on youths who live with diabetes. Following months of planning and hours of hard-work, the long-awaited camp arrived and whilst the turnout was not quite as desired, this nevertheless worked in our favour as focus was given to the needs of these youths.


Activities ranged from indoor rock climbing, a bbq, an escape room and disco bingo, as well as educational sessions like the importance of communities, carbohydrate counting and medical alert bracelets. Perhaps the session that stood out the most to us was that of a walking debate, whereby youths discussed controversial topics surrounding diabetes and expressed their emotional opinion on the matter.


Having been the first camp that I planned, I was ever so grateful that everything worked out smoothly and that I was able to meet such amazing individuals. It really was a learning experience, not only for them but for me, my diabetes and my advocacy experience.


I think I've said enough for today - but I promise it won't be long till you hear from me again :D



Till next time,

Tina x








 
 
 

Comments

Man Doing Blood Test

REACH OUT

Kindly note that the person you are reaching out to is not a health professional, but simply a person living with diabetes for over 7 years. If your issue is related to insulin regimen or your health (be it physical or mental), it is advised that you speak to a health professional.

Thanks for submitting!

Home: Contact
bottom of page