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The Weight We Don't Talk About:
Living With Type 2 Stigma
My Journey With CGM
How It All Started
It’s Never Too Late:
My Journey with Type 2 Diabetes
My Journey with Type 2 Diabetes
By Jess Beckham who lives with Type 2 diabetes
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional about your diabetes management. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.
22/07/2026
A Life-Changing Moment That Didn’t Feel Like One
At 25 years old, I was busy living life. My weekends were full of social plans, my career was taking shape, and I felt like I was finally becoming the person I wanted to be. But beneath the surface, there were signs that something wasn’t quite right. I was constantly thirsty, dealing with recurring thrush, and making frequent trips to the loo. I chose to ignore this until a colleague noticed I was becoming unusually clumsy and encouraged me to see my GP.
A few days after my appointment, I received a phone call. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The conversation was brief. I was told to pick up an information pack, visit the Diabetes UK website, and reassured that the condition could be managed with medication and an annual check-up.
Diabetes wasn’t new to me as my parent and two grandparents had it. But it was never openly discussed or particularly well managed. Combined with how casually my diagnosis was delivered, I didn’t treat it as a priority. I convinced myself that a couple of tablets a day would be enough, and I carried on with my life unchanged.
Taking Ownership of My Health: a change of perspective
For years, that’s exactly what I did. After check-ups, I would make short-lived efforts to monitor my blood sugar by finger pricking and improve my diet, but those habits never stuck. Finger-prick testing felt inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially in social situations, and I would quickly fall back into old routines.
Then came along my (now) husband. A man that made me change how I envisioned my future. And within the conversations about starting a family, came the realisation that I wanted to be in the best health that I could possibly be. For myself, for him, and for our future.
I was referred to a diabetes specialist, and for the first time, I learned about continuous glucose monitoring. I started using the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, and although I initially felt self-conscious wearing a sensor on my arm, a friend said something that completely changed my perspective: “You wouldn’t think twice about wearing glasses if you needed them.” She was right. Managing diabetes isn’t something to hide, it’s something to take ownership of.
The Turning Point: Time To Look Forward
After struggling to conceive, we were referred to a fertility clinic, where I was told I needed to meet strict HbA1c targets to qualify for treatment. That became my turning point. Over the next 18 months, I was a woman on a mission! The real-time data from my CGM helped me see how food, exercise, and daily habits affected my glucose levels. I focused on improving my “time in range” and made sustainable lifestyle changes.
The results were life-changing. My HbA1c dropped from 79 to 44. When I received that result, I cried. It wasn’t just a number, it was proof of how far I had come.
Throughout my fertility journey, sharing my data with my healthcare team* has allowed them to tailor my treatment and support me in staying as healthy as possible. For the first time, I feel in control of my condition.
What I’d Say to My Younger Self
If I could speak to my 25-year-old self, I would tell her this: life doesn’t stop after a diabetes diagnosis. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Take the time to learn, to ask questions, and to explore the tools and support available. Had I done that sooner, I might have started this journey earlier.
Today, at 37, I proudly wear my sensor and continue working toward my dreams. My story is proof that it’s never too late to take control of your health, and that small, consistent changes can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Jess Beckham is a FreeStyle Libre Ambassador. All views are her own and not necessarily those of Abbott.
The Weight We Don't Talk About:
Living With Type 2 Stigma
My Journey With CGM
How It All Started
References & Disclaimers
* Sharing of data requires registration with LibreView. Automatic upload requires a wireless internet connection or mobile data connection.
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