Indi and Braxton Palmer
Nothing can stop the 'Diabetes Double Trouble!'
Meet Indi and Braxton.
Siblings, Indi and Braxton, don’t let anything stand in the way of fun! Whether heading to school or sport, they support each other to do their very best. Both Indi and Braxton also live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and use Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to help manage their levels. We heard from Indi and Shannon (Indi and Braxton’s mum) about the ‘Diabetes Double Trouble’ and how they make their diabetes work for them.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your family?
Indi: Our Mum says some nights are like a disco party when both our CGM’s are going off at different times during the night. My brother, Braxton, and I are the ‘Diabetes Double Trouble.’ We aren’t just average kids; we eat, sleep and breathe sports and school and don’t let T1D get in the way!
Shannon: Brax who is now 6, was diagnosed with T1D when he was just 18 months old. Two and a half years later, Indi who is now 10 years old, joined the T1D community with an early diagnosis when she was 7 years old. Both children also have Coeliac Disease and eat a gluten free diet. Indi named the duo the “Diabetes Double Trouble!” and they help and support each other with their diabetes.
Q: How do Indi and Braxton manage their diabetes?
Shannon: Indi and Brax both wear CGM to help manage their diabetes. This technology significantly improved their HbA1c results and daily management in regard to food and exercise choices. Brax has had Dexcom G5 Mobile for 4 years now and Indi commenced using Dexcom G5 Mobile just after she was diagnosed. Indi and Brax are using multiple daily injections at present.
Q. With using Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM, have you ever had to contact our customer care team? If so, how was your experience?
Shannon: On rare occasions, I have had to phone the AMSL Diabetes customer service team about a transmitter, sensor or display device technical issue. The AMSL Diabetes customer service team has been amazing and were able to resolve any issues quickly. It’s reassuring to know that when you need to call AMSL Diabetes, you will be able to speak to a representative in a timely manner and the concern resolved.
Q: We’ve heard you also advocate for diabetes?
Indi: ‘Diabetes Double Trouble’ have participated and raised funds for JDRF over the years. In 2017, we raised over $1500 for the JDRF Cairns Diabetes Fundraiser Walk. I really wanted to bring awareness to others about T1D and so, I organised a colouring-in competition and walk at my school in 2018. Along with donations from family and friends, this event raised almost $1200. In 2019, my school held a fundraising event with money raised divided between a number of charities. The school donated $500 to JDRF.
Q: ‘Diabetes Double Trouble’ has raised a massive amount in the last few years – well done! What do you and Braxton like to do in your free time?
Indi: We love swimming, soccer, gymnastics, cricket, theatre, athletics and dance. Sports really help us to control our blood glucose levels. We refuse to let T1D stop us from participating in sports and other activities. We both achieve very high academic results at school and hardly have any absences related to our diabetes. T1D will not stop the ‘Diabetes Double Trouble’ from living life and achieving our goals along the way.
Q. What advice would you give to others living with T1D?
Shannon: We, as parents, have always encouraged our children not to be embarrassed or feel that they have to hide if they are doing any T1D management when out in public. They openly tell others about T1D when asked. We are honest with the options of T1D management available for them and the positive and negative consequences of each option. From here, they make an informed decision of what they would like. I’d also say allow your child time to connect with their specialist at your 3 monthly appointments, and to communicate early with others about their T1D management e.g. school, sporting clubs or birthday parties.
Indi: Don’t let T1D get in your way of things you love – whether its sports, music or school. Don’t think negatively and let diabetes define you. Be yourself, shine, be proud of who you are, don’t give up hope, keep smiling and everyday can be a good day.
If you would like your story posted by AMSL Diabetes, please contact marketing@amsl.com.au
Always read the label and use only as directed. Read the warnings available on www.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. Indi and Brax are AMSL Diabetes All-Stars.
Dexcom and Dexcom G5 Mobile are registered trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
“The AMSL Diabetes customer service team has been amazing and were able to resolve any issues quickly. It’s reassuring to know that when you need to call AMSL Diabetes, you will be able to speak to a representative in a timely manner and the concern resolved.”
Nothing can stop the 'Diabetes Double Trouble!'
Other Stories
Striving to be Within Target: T1D and AFL
Sam believes that T1D doesn’t need to hold you back from accomplishing your dreams. In 2007, Sam debuted in professional AFL for the Western Bulldogs, and since then has gone from competing on the field to fatherhood. In 2020, Sam upgraded from Dexcom G5 Mobile to Dexcom G6 to monitor and manage his diabetes.
Emily's Experience with Dexcom G6
Emily chats about her experience with the NEW Dexcom G6 and how it assists her busy lifestyle, whether out with friends, at work or even going for a run! She also discusses her perspective on mental health within the type 1 diabetes community.
Diabetes and Studying: Grace's Story
We spoke to Grace about how she manages her type 1 diabetes whilst studying, her experience with the t:slim X2 insulin pump and Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM and which features help her stay on track to completing her degree.