We recently met with Rob, a 34-year-old husband and father of a 2.5-year-old. He only knows life with diabetes. At age 4, he was already giving himself his injections of insulin. This is more about his story…
Livongo: What is the hardest thing about living with type 1 diabetes?
Rob: Probably getting in the habit of continuously checking my blood glucose, especially through the college years, when I was on my own, and being an adult.
I've always thought that, for example, if you go to college and just go to class, the worst grade you'll get is a C. The same thing applies to diabetes control and testing your blood sugar. If you just test your blood sugar and correct off that data alone there's no way your A1C can be too far astray.
Livongo: When you first heard of the Livongo program, what appealed to you about it?
Rob: Meijer (my wife’s employer) sent out an email with HR updates about ways in which they are investing in their employees, and it included the Livongo program. The email stated, if someone in your health plan can benefit, you can sign them up.
My first reaction was “What’s the caveat here? What’s the catch?” Before Livongo, I would stockpile a lot of my diabetes supplies, but they got old quickly. I did a bit more research on the Livongo program and realized it was for real. I signed up within two days!
When I blew through the initial test strips and the machine asked if I wanted to refill, I pressed the button saying “Yes” and two days later the test strips showed up at the front door. I was floored. I got back in the habit of checking my blood sugar… Growing up, I never had a program like Livongo.
Livongo: What are your top 3 favorite things about the Livongo program and why?
Rob: I like the touch screen of the monitor and the fact that it’s wirelessly connected. It is great to have all your data stored in the cloud and being able to easily access it – I am excited to go to my next appointment and say, “I have my data!” I used to have to write down my blood glucose log and many times I’d end up losing the paper before my doctor appointment.
I’m very impressed with the notifications if you check your blood sugar and it’s too high or low. I also love the reminders about ordering my strips. It doesn’t get any easier.
Livongo: What is life like today? What has changed?
Rob: I’m now able to dose my insulin more accurately. I feel more confident with my insulin dosing because I am able to check more often without fear of running out of strips. With checking more often, I know when I my blood glucose is running high/low. Before joining Livongo, I couldn’t afford checking as often as I do now. I don’t have to second guess myself when I know what my blood sugar is through checking.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the individuals depicted or quoted. Each member’s exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each member. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid.
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