Banbridge's Diabetic Duo share their story of living with Type 1 diabetes

The Banbridge friends, affectionately known as the ‘Diabetic Duo’, have taken social media by storm with their fun, viral videos, which raise awareness about the condition.

While Ellen was only seven at the time of her diagnosis, Beth learned about her condition at the age of 20.

The duo actively promote overcoming any stigma around diabetes and support the community living with the condition.

More than 4.3 million people are living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK, according to figures from Diabetes UK.

With continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, people with diabetes can now see their glucose readings in real-time without having to painfully prick their fingers.

Prior to their diagnosis, Beth and Ellen both experienced symptoms known as the ‘Four T’s’. Diabetes UK describes these symptoms as: extreme Thirst, excessive use of the Toilet, Thinness - sudden unexplained weight loss and Tiredness.

The pair met while working in Donaghy’s shoe shop as their first part-time jobs - aged 16 and 17 - and instantly became besties!

Traversing the diabetic journey together has made their friendship even stronger.

“It’s amazing to have someone else to relate to - and even better when that person is your best friend,” Ellen (24), who is a Digital Marketing Co-ordinator at Part Three Digital, explained.

“We can help each other with any questions we might have and offer each other a shoulder to cry on when it all becomes a little too much.”

25-year-old Beth, a Marketing Executive at The Boulevard, revealed what living with diabetes means on a daily basis. “We often describe Type 1 diabetes as this invisible monster, you can’t always see it but it’s always there.

“It’s a 24/7 job, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with no annual leave.

“Every day surrounds numbers, whether that is managing our glucose levels using our Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, using our carb counting ratios to work out insulin doses for every single thing that passes your lips, multiple daily injections and managing both low and high glucose levels with their scary impacts.”

Ellen added: “There are many challenges when it comes to managing Type 1 diabetes. One of the biggest challenges is managing low glucose levels, also known as hypoglycaemia.

“This is when the level of glucose in your blood drops too low and can result in some horrible symptoms such as dizziness, increase in heartbeat, trembling and more.

“Thankfully, our Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system helps manage these challenges by sending alerts straight to our mobile phones to alert us when this is happening, without the need for finger pricks.”

Beth and Ellen went on to explain what inspired them to share their insights and experiences on social media. The Diabetic Duo now have an incredible 30,000 followers on TikTok and over 15k followers on Instagram!

“It’s so crazy to think of the amazing community we have grown online with others who have similar experiences to ourselves. We are so grateful!” enthused Beth.

“Our social media started as a happy coincidence where we naturally were showcasing some happy moments of two best friends who have the same condition, and it went viral! We are so delighted that all these years later we are still going strong.”

Ellen continued: “We hope to create a safe place online where other people with diabetes, their friends and families, can come and feel as though they have people who relate to them.”

The friends had this advice for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and is feeling anxious about the road ahead.

“We would say not to feel too pressured by the numbers. As long as you are trying your best that’s all that matters!”

As for the Diabetic Duo’s hopes for the future, they quipped: “We always joke we would like to be the next female Ant and Dec! Who knows what the future holds?”