Having lived with T1D for close to two decades means I have also experienced drastic technological advancements for diabetics. I started off with the bloodsugar meter, or the BS-meter (interpret that as you like). Luckily, my fingers are now saved from the ever constant pricks (and condensending words when blood didn't come out).

When the Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) came, I started on the Freestyle Libre sensors (suitable CGM-name for a snowboarder crusing down the slope). No more BS-journaling and drawing the curves from the past week (which only happened the day before the doctor's visit)!

I relied on insulin pens up until I was 26 years old. Following some consitent issues with high BS in the morning, my big brother inspired me to get on the same insulin-pump as he was using to manage his T1D. That is the Tandem TSlim X2 with Control IQ.

My hesitency to move from pens to pump was:

Fear 1) I didn't want an ugly piece of plastic with a string attached to my stomach (superficial - I know).

Fear 2) Lacking the feeling of freedom from my disease by carrying diabetes in my pocket.

Fear 3) Scared that the pump would break down and not be able to manage it.

My parents was incredibly unfortunate in producing three out of three children with T1D. Luckily for us siblings, we understood each other in a way that others cannot. My hesitency to make the switch went away when I saw the uncanny difference it made to my brother's BS, and to his overall wellbeing.

It has had the same effect on me, and I am proud over myself that I dared to test it. It meant, however, that I had to give up the swaggy-named CGM to Dexcom G6, as this is the CGM that is compatible with the pump. You win some, you lose some.

There's a lot of necessary equipment that is needed to manage one's T1D. Whilst I'm using an insulin pump, I still needed back-up pens incase the technology breaks down. As anyone with T1D knows, you become very used to the setup you're using. Enter Fear 4.

What if the eqiupment I use isn't accessible in the UK? Will I have to pay large sums of money to get a hold of it? Or will I have to leave my beloved Tandem pump behind and start using my pens again?

This was a genuine fear I had after I had moved to London. The first GP I met with wrongly informed me that the GP will do all the medical care needed to monitor my disease, and that I may not be allowed to keep my insulin pump. Tandem pumps and its equipment are reserved for those really struggling to manage their curves. Ironically, I was able to keep a good balance because of the pump.

Two weeks after I signed up with the GP, I spoke with the GP pharmacist about which insulin I used and the medical equipment I needed. She could prescribe me with pen needles, BS-equipment and insulin, but none of the pump equipment or sensors. She had no idea what 'Tandem' or 'Dexcom' was. I had to speak with a diabetes specialist to see if I can get these equipments prescribed...

The GP I first signed up with simply did not know what to do with a T1 diabetic. Two more weeks go by without any progress in being sent to a specialist. I called and emailed the diabetes departments at various hospitals in London, and they told me that the GP had to request my meeting with a specialist. Once I informed the GP that this was the process, I received an appointment in a months time. Two months was just about the end of my supplies I had brought with me.

Eventually, I had my appointment with a diabetes specialist who simply asked me which systems I was using and instantly set me up on getting the equipment delivered. I even got some extra supplies from her to take home so I could keep using the pump and sensors until the packages arrived. You can imagine the relief.

Yes, there is a lot of things to think about. Yes, it can be terrifying. But, hopefully, by sharing my experience you can move to the UK with a better toolbox than I had.

Have a look at the pages on what to consider doing on the Swedish side and the British side if you haven't done so already. There's lots of useful advice and links to helpful websites that I have compiled.

I would also be more than happy to speak with you personally if you wish to do so. Just click on the Twitter/X or LinkedIn logo below and send a message.