I’ve been using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) since 2012 and it has made a huge difference in my life! It helps me control my blood sugar better and is especially helpful when it comes to dealing with low blood sugar.

I have mild hypoglycemic unawareness, which means I have a hard time noticing when my levels are too low, but the CGM sets off an alarm and suspends insulin delivery to help raise the blood sugar.

That has been very helpful for me, especially at night-time! My new CGM even predicts when my blood sugar is going to drop and tries to prevent it.

If the government and the MedTech industry could grant me one wish I would ask that they think more long-term and more about quality of life when making decisions about medical devices.

I would also ask that they involve patients in the decision-making process. Medical devices are expensive, but the benefits to people with diabetes and their loved ones are numerous, both in the present, and in terms of preventing complications from the disease in the future.

We also need to make sure there is equal access to these devices across the country. It shouldn’t matter where in Sweden you live, what hospital you belong to or how big your wallet is.

I am also very interested in the whole area of self-care and self-monitoring.

Apps can help to monitor patient wellbeing, and medication reminders are also very important.

Medication needs to be taken 4-6 times a day, sometimes even more, and can be a rather complicated regimen. Any devices that help patients become ‘medication-savvy’ are crucial. The timing of medication is key, it can make or break your day.