Once a year, Santa visits the children of the world and checks in on his cheeky elves; but this year his elves living with diabetes got a little something special. Fifteen-year-old Lachlan Di Pasquale has taken on a mission as “Santa’s Little Diabetic” by designing pumps and CGMs for the Christmas favourite, Elf on the Shelf. “My mum had previously shown me pumps that were available for dolls, but they were quite generic,” he says. “I thought it would be cool for kids to have realistic pumps/ CGMs for their toys that are just like their own.”
Using a 3D-printer to make them, Lachie has created two sizes for people to purchase. “The first is what I like to call ‘Elf’ size,” he explains. “Meaning they are sized accurately to the Elf on the Shelf but can be used on any toy/doll with similar sizing. The second size is what I call ‘Rufus’ size, meaning they were originally intended for the teddy [Rufus the Bear with Diabetes by JDRF] that the hospitals give out to recently diagnosed kids.”
This story is from the January-February 2021 edition of Diabetic Living Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January-February 2021 edition of Diabetic Living Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A whole new world
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
Fantastic Feta
This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.