Helen May

In her 30s, Helen was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This was a huge surprise to her as no one else in her family has diabetes. She knew very little about the condition at the time but, to minimise the impact it would have on her life, Helen has strived to learn as much as possible.

Over ten years later, she has continued to push herself as much as she would without diabetes. She has climbed mountains, sailed across the ocean and abseiled down the middle of a car park exit ramp; she has travelled the world from America to Uganda to Northumberland to Georgia; she has experienced the trials and tribulations of dating, job interviews and adventurous menus; she has seen her treatment change from two-a-day injections to basal-bolus injects and, most recently, to an insulin pump.

In her blog, Helen shares her experiences, advocating a full life with diabetes, as well as giving her views on some of the news and research about the disease.

Talking about diabetes with healthcare professionals – Helen May

This Diabetes Week, Helen May reflects on talking to healthcare professionals about her diabetes. I think of myself as healthy. There is no part of my health which stops me doing what I want to do. I may not have enough time to learn to play the piano, or the basic coordination to play tennis well, or…

Diabetes solidarity – by Helen May

I work for an American company of about 400 employees: big enough that we get things done, but small enough that I know many of my colleagues. Although I live and work in the UK, I know quite a few of my colleagues “across the pond”. This is mostly via emails but I get to…

Flying with a pump and no wings – by Helen May

On day one of my Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, I was told diabetes should not stop me doing what I want. I have tried to live my life with that in mind. I have walked up to 40,000 feet in the Nepalese Himalayas, sailed across the Channel, canoed down the River Wye, rock climbed in…

Have you ever played the Diabetes Card? – by Helen May

There are very few advantages in having diabetes. It is a pest. Whilst it never stops me doing what I want, it often gets in the way or means things take longer, or I’m not able to enjoy them as much as I want. Sure, I am lucky to get an annual (ish) health check…

Spare a thought this Christmas – by Helen May

Fourteen years ago, my boyfriend and I decided we wanted a slightly different Christmas. The build up to December had felt long and I was feeling run down. So we spent Christmas Day at home, just the two of us doing what we wanted without the pressure to follow conflicting family rituals. For example, my family…

Does the language of diabetes matter? – by Helen May

I am intrigued by the way we all express ourselves slightly differently. A bouncy friend of mine seems to have a negative vocabulary: she described a wedding as “ruined” because it rained. I work with some American colleagues who are always very upbeat compared to the Brits: they would describe something as “awesome” whereas we would…

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