Verity Charles
Verity is off to the Grand Final!
Tune in to channel 9 to cheer Verity on in the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final on October 18th , 2020!
Meet Verity.
Verity has been playing professional netball since her debut back in 2012. She plays for the West Coast Fever, in positions Centre and Wing Attack. She spoke to us about her journey with diabetes, how Dexcom G6 supports her while she chases down her goals on and off the court, and her ride to the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final!
Q. Can you tell us a little about you and your netball career?
I’ve been playing netball since I was 5 years old! I’ve been out of home and on the road chasing the netball dream since I was 15.
At 17, I found out I had type 1 diabetes. I was living out of home at the time with my good friends’ grandparents. They noticed how much water I was drinking and my weight fluctuating. I had no idea what I was in for when I found out.
Currently, my weeks are a little different at the moment in “hub” life here in Brisbane due to COVID-19. We are on court training three times a week, at the gym twice a week and playing 1 game a week. We also have pool recovery and active movement sessions around trainings.
Q. How did you find out about Dexcom and why did you want to try it?
I first saw Dexcom on social media and then I saw other athletes wearing Dexcom and loving it! I was really excited by this so I looked up more information about Dexcom G6. I remember calling a close friend who also has diabetes and we were really excited saying how incredible it would be to track our glucose levels and NOT have to fingerprick!!!*
When my Dexcom G6 first arrived, I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a parcel to arrive in the mail. I was running down the stairs so quickly to meet the mailman.
Before using Dexcom G6, I was pricking my fingers to test. So initially, I was a bit nervous to start up on Dexcom, but it turned out to be super easy! I thought I was pretty good with managing my diabetes before but my eyes have been widened with Dexcom. I get so shocked at what some foods do to my levels and how much a hard netball session or game can send my levels higher than I thought. I love being able to track everything now!
Q. How would you describe the process of getting started with Dexcom G6?
I would describe it as easy! Inserting a sensor is very simple and the instructions are clear and straight forward. I’m not the best with technology but I managed setting up Dexcom G6 with no troubles.
Q. And how have the alerts and alarms helped you manage your diabetes?
The alarms are a game changer! I sit my phone with the Dexcom app open when I’m playing netball, so our team manager has it in front of her and watches it while I’m on the court. I had a low warning come up a couple of weeks ago so my phone alerted me and my team manager too – it’s very handy!
I also really appreciate the alarms at night. With Dexcom G6, my phone wakes me to fix a low, even when I am sound asleep. Previously I would have slept right on through.
Q. And what impact has ‘zero fingerpricks’ with the Dexcom G6 had on your lifestyle and netballing career?
For me, zero fingerpricks* allow me to check in more with where my levels are at especially around trainings or in a public environment like a nice restaurant etc. I used to hate getting all my tools out trying to test while a beautiful meal sits in front of me and people all around. To now just having to pick my phone up and have a quick look, the app^ is a breeze!
Q. Do you have any tips for others looking into CGM who haven’t tried it before?
You won’t look back! For me, it makes living with diabetes so much easier and less stressful knowing Dexcom has my back with alarms for highs or lows! I’m just in awe of this device.
Q. How would you describe your experience with Dexcom G6 in 10 words or less?
A game changer for people living with diabetes!
* If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
^ For a full list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility
Wanting to share your personal journey? To join our Dexcom Warrior Program today – click here!
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.
The Dexcom G6 transmitter can only be paired with one medical device (either a Dexcom receiver or the t:slim X2 Insulin Pump) and one compatible mobile device (phone or tablet) at the same time. To view a list of compatible smart devices, visit www.dexcom.com/dexcom-international-compatibility. The Dexcom G6 Sensor and Transmitter are water resistant and may be submerged under 2.4 meters of water for up to 24 hours without failure when properly installed. If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Followers must separately download the Dexcom Follow App to view shared glucose information. A stable internet connection is needed to enable this Dexcom Share feature. Dexcom G6 is sold separately to the t:slim X2 insulin pump. Dexcom and Dexcom G6 are registered trademarks of Dexcom, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
“Zero fingerpricks* for me allows me to check in more with where my levels are at especially around trainings or in a public environment.”
Verity is off to the Grand Final!
Other Stories
Lara is Reaching New Heights with Dexcom G6 CGM!
Lara lives with type 1 diabetes, but that doesn't slow her down! She plays basketball in the Australian Women’s National Basketball League whilst studying at university as well. We spoke to Lara about what tools she uses to manage her diabetes on and off the court.
Emily strives for Health, Rest and Happiness!
Emily talks about staying motivated with her T1D care, all while balancing a busy and active lifestyle! She also reflects on some of her biggest challenges throughout her journey with diabetes and touches on some of the biggest lessons she's learnt over the years!
Advocating with Ethan and Kylie
Read more about Ethan's journey with type 1 diabetes from age 4, what diabetes technology he uses to manage his glucose levels and how he, and his mother, Kylie, stand up for the type 1 diabetes community on a range of issues!