Published on 24 November 2022
This World Diabetes Day (14th November), people living with diabetes were being encouraged to share their stories about their journey with the condition.

A #SeeDiabetes campaign has been launched to empower members of the diabetes community to be more visible throughout the month.

A series of custom CGM patches have been designed for Dexcom by a team of ‘Celebrity Warriors’ living with type 1 diabetes.

The specially designed patches each showcase their personal stories and illustrate just how unique each person’s diabetes story is. 

And now more people living with the condition are invited to design their own CGM patches, showcasing their personal stories to help people with diabetes feel seen and heard wherever they live.

Those taking part in the campaign include celloist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (diagnosed aged 12), England Rugby player Henry Slade (diagnosed aged 18), fitness influencer Eoin Costelloe (diagnosed aged 19) and model Roxy Horner (diagnosed aged 30).

Their patches illustrate what it means to them to #SeeDiabetes and encourage others to take part.

Henry Slade, England rugby player wearing a Dexcom device

Henry Slade, Exeter Chiefs and England international rugby union player, said:

“Raising awareness of diabetes has always been important to me. I had great role models growing up, especially watching my dad successfully manage his diabetes while continuing to play sport, and I’ve learned there’s nothing you can’t do. The patch I’ve designed is a testament to this, celebrating my achievements with Exeter and the impact Dexcom CGM has had on my diabetes journey.” 

To get involved in the conversation and help people with diabetes feel seen and heard, Dexcom is asking those with diabetes, their family and friends to visit here to design their own custom patch, illustrating their personal diabetes story and sharing pictures on social media using the hashtag #SeeDiabetes. Dexcom will also be giving away patches of the first 500 designs in the UK and Ireland, while supplies last. 

Ben Byrne, Dexcom Country Director UK and Ireland said: “We know from our Warrior community that diabetes can sometimes feel invisible, made even more apparent by a lack of understanding from those outside the diabetes community. So, on World Diabetes Day, we are showcasing all the amazing diabetes stories to help as many people feel seen and heard.” 

Dexcom 3D experience on Tuesday, 29th November from 12-1pm at Victoria Station, London

People passing through the station will have an opportunity to learn more about what it means to live with diabetes. The 3D activation will give commuters, tourists and everyday Londoners a chance to see diabetes from the perspective of a CGM user.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. It is marked every year on 14th November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Watch the DRWF ‘Our Heroes’ video created for World Diabetes Day here

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