Philippa Cooper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult 20 years ago.

For the first 18 years she injected two types of insulin multiple times a day, but after suffering frequent night time episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels), Philippa switched from needles to an insulin pump. This device continually delivers short acting insulin via a cannula, and allows the user to modify the amount of insulin delivered to match the body’s differing insulin needs at different times of the day and night.

The pump has significantly reduced the number of hypos Philippa experiences at night, and it has enabled her to better manage her glucose levels and decrease the risk of future diabetic complications.

Philippa also started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) which keeps constant track of her glucose level. The combination of the pump and CGM has significantly improved Philippa’s quality of life.