Transcend Warrior – Kristina Phillips

March 10, 2020

My Story:

I have been to Nigeria twice on mission trips with the Access to Success foundation. The first time was finger pricks and insulin pens and the second time was a CGM and insulin pens. I made sure I had supplies needed, backups and went. I didn’t focus on my “what if” worries before the trip began, but I did notice that at times, my worry would consume my thoughts. I let myself go a little high in order to not be stressed about going low. At the end of the trip I realized it was not as hard as I was worried right when i got there. And I learned to just have confidence in myself. Treat my lows, and don’t be embarrassed. Talk about how I’m feeling if I need to explain why I don’t feel great. At the end of it all I felt very empowered and am actually going back again this year with a pump and CGM!

My Health Details
Type of Diabetes:Type 1
Low blood sugar instances per week:1-3 Instances
Daily number of times checking blood sugar:7+ times/day
Managing Diabetes with:Insulin Pump
What age were you diagnosed with diabetes?16+
How long does it typically take you to come up when you are low?Under 1 hour
How has Transcend helped treat your low blood sugars?

I first used them on a mission trip to Nigeria since I couldn’t take juice boxes on the plane (didn’t want to deal with TSA) and I didn’t want to have candy that the little kids would want. I like to use them when traveling especially, but also when being active on hikes and runs. I love how compact they are, but they deliver a great punch in terms of raising my blood sugar (but also don’t spike it).

What is your biggest challenge with diabetes?

I think my mindset. For me I like to have control and diabetes has really humbled me in that respect. But I am trying to balance not letting it totally engulf my life (thoughts, conversations, etc), but also make sure to stay on top and keep myself healthy. I started on a dexcom and pump a year ago and I have actually had more lows, just because I can constantly see it and I try to keep it in a stricter range.

What have you learned from your experiences with diabetes?

I have learned to be open to other. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t talk about it much other than jokes with my friends (as my way to remind them I had it in case I ever needed their help). I have opened up so much about it and have realized if I had been more open originally and not so embarrassed, maybe I would have found a diabuddy (even in passing) that could have sparked my want to do the best for myself I could/to research earlier than it took me. I have learned that everyone is going through something you can’t see, even if it’s not an autoimmune disease. People want to help, so I have learned to be more open and vulnerable with what I am going through.