Bambi Northwood-Blyth: I’ve lived with diabetes since I was 11, here are 4 things I’ve learned

There’s never a good time to be diagnosed with an incurable chronic condition, but learning I had Type 1 diabetes at age 11, when I was just starting to figure out who I was felt like a devastating blow.

The diagnosis came as a shock – I had no family history of diabetes and knew nothing about the condition. I found myself scared and alone, wondering how this would change my life, and if I could still do the things I loved. 

It felt like my life changed overnight. While diabetes is an invisible condition, managing it can feel like a full-time job, requiring constant glucose monitoring and insulin injections to keep my levels in a healthy range and prevent dangerous complications that can result from uncontrolled diabetes.

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I never could have anticipated that I would face one of the biggest challenges of my life as a pre-teen, but with no cure for diabetes, I knew I had no other choice than to face it head-on. Although diabetes might affect every part of my life, I was determined to never let it define me.  

Redefining confidence and finding my voice

Navigating this disease as a pre-teen came with its challenges. During that phase of my life, I worried about how others would perceive me, and I struggled with body confidence. It was around this time that I first started wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which is a wearable technology that measures my glucose levels in real time and eliminates the need for finger pricks. Wearing this device on the back of my arm felt like a statement – I was raising awareness for diabetes and giving visibility to a condition I silently manage every day.  

When I started to treat my CGM more like a badge of honour—wearing it proudly—it led me to an unexpected joy of incredible community and connection. Whether I’m at home in Melbourne or travelling the world to model, when people see me wearing my CGM, it sparks conversation. Sometimes from people who have never seen one before, which allows me to educate them on diabetes and the technology available to manage it. At other times, people who also live with diabetes feel confident enough to reach out and speak with me about it. We share an instant connection as a result. 

Though it can feel lonely, more than 138,000 Australians live with Type 1 diabetes, and more than 1.3 million people in Australia live with Type 2 diabetes. It’s a club that no one wants to join, but if you find yourself a member, you’ll be surrounded by a community of people who understand what you’re going through, celebrate your wins and lift each other up on the hardest of days.  

It was this community I leaned on when I experienced one of the worst moments in my diabetes journey. While in the U.S. for a modelling job, I experienced dangerously low glucose levels while I slept, which caused me to go into a hypoglycaemic state.

Thankfully, I was wearing my CGM, which let me share my glucose levels in real-time with my loved ones halfway across the world. My friend was in Melbourne at the time but got a notification through the Dexcom Follow app that my levels were dangerously low. They tried to contact me, but because I was unresponsive, they were unable to reach me. Instead, they called the hotel I was staying at, which was able to send an ambulance and get me the medical attention I needed.

The experience was incredibly traumatising, but because of this life-saving technology and the most incredible and supportive group of friends and family, I’m still here today.  

Making life with diabetes work for you

I’ve lived with diabetes for over 20 years now.

Although so much has changed since my diagnosis, my mantra to not let this condition define me has never wavered, and I’ve learned so much along the way. Whether you have diabetes or another chronic condition, with the right support and mindset, you can live a full and vibrant life.

Here are my top tips for managing the condition, while confidently wearing medical technology.  

Planning makes (almost) perfect

Life can feel unpredictable, especially when travelling or juggling a fast-paced job, but preparation goes a long way. I always pack my favourite snacks–veggie sticks, nuts, and low-sugar electrolytes–to stay on track while I’m on the go. That said, even with the most meticulous planning, things won’t always go as expected. In these moments, give yourself grace and remember you’re doing your best. 

Learn what works for you

I’ve learned that when I start my morning with a quick walk or yoga, I feel my best, but by looking at my data, I can also see that my glucose levels are steadier and in range throughout the day. Seeing the positive effects of exercise motivates me to stay active – it’s as much for my mental health as it is for my physical well-being. 

Confidence is your best accessory

I’ve learned to embrace my medical technology and wear it with pride. I love to get creative with my fashion and will even style my outfits to highlight my CGM, choosing asymmetrical tops, sleeveless dresses or cut-out designs that make it feel like a natural part of my look.

Find your community and lean on them

Living with a chronic condition can feel exhausting. It’s in these moments especially that I lean on my loved ones for support. I’m also part of the Dexcom Warrior community, which is for people with all types of diabetes. This community – along with others offered online – provides a platform for people to connect, advocate for diabetes awareness and share their stories. If there’s a silver lining to living with this disease, it’s the friends and community I’ve made along the way.  

The very real silver lining of living with diabetes

Living with diabetes has helped me to discover who I am: a resilient woman, who’s managing this disease with grace, even on the worst days. By proudly ‘wearing’ my chronic condition —even on the most visible stages from red carpets to photoshoots—I hope to raise awareness of diabetes while reducing stigma.

I never considered that my role as a model could also make me a role model—but that’s what I hope to be for anyone out there struggling to find their confidence while managing their health.