Lara McSpadden
Lara is Reaching New Heights with Dexcom G6 CGM!
Meet Lara!
Just over 17 years ago, Lara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Fast forward to today, she is now studying at her last year of university whilst also competing in the Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). To find out more about her journey, we spoke to Lara about basketball, diabetes and everything in between!
Q. Can you tell us about you?
I live a pretty busy lifestyle, factoring in my WNBL commitments and university studies – I am currently studying high school teaching with a focus on geography and PE. When I’m not on the basketball court or studying, I love spending some quality time with my family and friends. I love relaxing by going for a surf or reading a good book, playing board games and going on new adventures – whenever I have free time! This is on top of the responsibilities of being an adult and the added stresses of diabetes, which I have been living with since August 2007.
Q. Have you always used CGM to manage your diabetes?
When I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I managed my glucose levels with regular fingerpricks and insulin injections, with help from an insulin card. Over the years, my management has changed, with different glucose monitors and also with the level of my sport, from representative to elite. As I have moved up the ranks in basketball, my diabetes management has become crucial to my performance.
I have used Dexcom G6 for a few years now. I find it’s small and easy to use especially while playing basketball on the court.
Q: What tools and forms of support do you use to stay on top of your diabetes?
Dexcom has had a hugely positive contribution towards managing my sugar levels, and subsequent health. Specifically, my favourite feature of Dexcom G6 Mobile is the way it communicates with my phone and my smart watch* in telling me how my sugar levels are trending. I also use the Dexcom Clarity^ app to help evaluate my glucose improvement over time too. I also have a trusted friend who monitors on my behalf through the app.
Dexcom G6 is super helpful in alerting me to highs and lows, especially when going into training or getting ready for a game. The trending feature allows me to make changes to my insulin or diet if required, to ensure that I am in the best range for my games and training.
I’ve also found a lot of support and encouragement from other people living with diabetes through social media. In particular, I have been following another Dexcom Warrior @emilysdiabetes on Instagram and we’ve been supporting each other’s journey through social media. I find this support system very helpful because I do not know many people that have type 1 diabetes around me, so social media has been great in connecting with other people and sharing our stories. Social media is a nice form of encouragement especially knowing that the other person is also going through similar circumstances as me. I’ve also recently purchased a journal specifically for diabetes to track my habits, levels, and reflect on how to manage my diabetes even better.
I hope that through sharing my story and connecting with other people that have type 1 diabetes we can continue to support each other but also raise awareness of diabetes.
Editor note: Lara has lived with type 1 diabetes since 2007 but refuses to let that slow her down! She is achieving her goals one step at a time, whether that be her exciting career in WNBL or completing her university degree! Lara states that she finds encouragement and support from the unique stories shared by other individuals living with type 1 diabetes. She hopes through sharing her own journey, it may reach someone else within the diabetes community and inspire them to lead a fulfilling and limitless life.
Lara is an Australian Dexcom Warrior. For more information on the Dexcom Warrior Program, please click here!
*To view a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/en-AU/compatibility
^ The web-based Dexcom Clarity software is intended for use by both home users and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes in the review, analysis, and evaluation of historical CGM data to support effective diabetes management. It is intended for use as an accessory to Dexcom CGM devices with data interface capabilities. Caution: The software does not provide any medical advice and should not be used for that purpose. Home users must consult a healthcare professional before making any medical interpretation and therapy adjustments from the information in the software. Caution: Healthcare professionals should use information in the software in conjunction with other clinical information available to them.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Read the warnings available on amsldiabetes.com.au/resources before purchasing. Consult your healthcare professional to see which product is right for you.
Testimonial Disclosure
This testimonial relates to an individual’s response to treatment with our products and has been edited to ensure it is consistent with the products’ indication(s). The testimonial does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response other persons may have to the treatment. Responses to treatment with our products may differ. It is important to consider individual circumstances and consult with your healthcare professional before considering any changes to your diabetes management.
Dexcom, Dexcom Clarity and Dexcom G6 are registered trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. LBL-1004284 Rev001
“Dexcom G6 is super helpful in alerting me to highs and lows, especially when going into training or getting ready for a game. The trending feature allows me to make changes to my insulin or diet if required, to ensure that I am in the best range for my games and training.”
Lara is Reaching New Heights with Dexcom G6 CGM!
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