'You don't know you're asleep until you wake up' - Addiction, sight loss and becoming a conscious diabetic with Brett Taylor

Type 1 on 1 | Diabetes Stories

Please note this episode of Type 1 on 1 contains honest discussions around addiction, mental health and diabetes complications.
‘I think type 1 diabetes is a selfish disease up until you realise that the resonant effect of diabetes just doesn't finish with you. I always used to say it's about me, it's my disease, but my wife was the driving force for me to realise my potential and it's all to honour what she saw in me when I didn't see it. I wouldn't be here without her.’
Brett Taylor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the 80s, aged just four years old. His first experiences were incredibly traumatic, and he felt the heavy weight of shame around his condition for decades. Alongside the rollercoaster of type 1 diabetes in an age without mass information at our fingertips, online communities or diabetes technology, Brett has faced addiction, mental health challenges and diabetes-related sight loss.
Today Brett calls himself The Conscious Diabetic, focusing on taking what he describes as ‘conscious and active control’ of his life one day at a time, with the help of Crossfit and his wife Vicky by his side.
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SPONSOR MESSAGE:
Thanks to my episode sponsors Dexcom.
Pioneer and leader in Real-Time continuous glucose monitors, Dexcom's goal is to simplify and improve diabetes management for every possible person with diabetes.
They have a choice of systems, so you can find the right one for your lifestyle at https://www.dexcom.com/