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Beyond Diabetes: A Success Story of Technology, Trust, and Human Connection
By Rema Alsaiedy, Credentialled Diabetes Educator & Credentialled Consultant Pharmacist, Adelaide SA
The Challenge
When 67-year-old Mr D was referred for diabetes education at a community health centre supporting people experiencing homelessness in June 2025, he was navigating far more than a new Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) diagnosis. Newly arrived in South Australia with no family or social support, living rough, and facing significant food insecurity, his circumstances challenged every assumption about what diabetes self-management can look like.
His HbA1c at diagnosis was 8.3% — and he was understandably overwhelmed.
Award Winning Success Story at 2026 Abbott Case Study Awareness
Rokaya Rema Alsaiedy was named the winner of the Early Career Case Study “Beyond Diabetes: How Technology, Trust and Human Connection Transformed One Patient’s Health
The Challenge: More Than a Diabetes Diagnosis
When 67-year-old Mr D was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in June 2025, he was experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and social isolation. With an HbA1c of 8.3%, managing his condition was challenging, and traditional finger-prick glucose monitoring was impractical. Credentialled Diabetes Educator Rema Alsaiedy introduced a person-centred approach focused on trust, practical education and achievable goals tailored to his circumstances.
The Solution: Making Technology Work for the Individual
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus CGM provided Mr D with a practical alternative to finger-prick testing. Through regular, personalised education, he learned how food and physical activity affected his glucose levels, while making achievable lifestyle changes. The technology empowered him to build confidence, improve health literacy and take an active role in managing his diabetes.
The Results: Meaningful Improvements in Health
Within three months, Mr D achieved significant and sustained health improvements, maintained at ten months. His HbA1c decreased from 8.3% to 5.7%, average glucose fell from 6.8 to 5.7 mmol/L, and blood pressure improved from 205/125 to 127/89 mmHg. With CGM-guided monitoring and GP collaboration, his diabetes medication was safely reduced. He also experienced greater confidence, energy and motivation to manage his health.
These outcomes highlight the potential of combining accessible technology with individualised education and collaborative clinical care.
Why This Story Matters
Mr D’s journey demonstrates that diabetes technology can be effective for people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage when supported by person-centred education and care. His success highlights the value of early CGM access, practical self-management education and collaboration between diabetes educators and GPs in achieving meaningful health outcomes.
Beyond the Numbers: The Power of Person-Centred Care
Mr D’s greatest achievement was gaining the knowledge, confidence and skills to actively manage his health. By combining technology with personalised, compassionate care tailored to his circumstances, diabetes management became more accessible, empowering him to take control of his wellbeing.
Rokaya Rema Alsaiedy (second from right) receives the Early Career Award, joined by ADEA Vice President Shannon Lin, ADEA President Ann Bush and Bryan Ladell, Head of HCP Engagement at Abbott Australasia.
Photo: Daryl Charles.
Beyond Monitoring: A Tool for Empowerment
The CGM transformed the way Mr D understood his own health. Watching his glucose levels respond in real time to different foods and activities sparked genuine curiosity and engagement. Frustration at unexpected glucose spikes became a platform for meaningful conversations about carbohydrates, portion sizes, and the way the body processes different meals.
He frequently checked the impact of the foods he was eating… This became an important learning opportunity.
The sensor became far more than a monitoring device — it was an educational tool, a motivational coach, and a bridge between patient and clinician.
Real People. Real Progress
Stories from people who now feel more confident managing their diabetes.
Short Case-style Stories:
HbA1c
Reduced from 8.3% to 5.7% within three months — and remained at 5.7% at ten months
Average Glucose
Decreased from approximately 6.8 mmol/L to 5.7 mmol/L
Blood Pressure
improved from 205/125 mmHg to 127/89 mmHg
Antidiabetic Therapy
de-escalated from Jardiamet 5/500mg twice daily to Metformin 500mg daily, guided by CGM data shared collaboratively with the treating GP
Wellbeing
Confidence, energy, and motivation all improved significantly
Beyond Barriers: Why This Story Matters
This case challenges the assumption that diabetes technology is only appropriate for people with stable housing, strong support networks, or high health literacy. With person-centred education and the right support, CGM can be a powerful and accessible tool for people experiencing significant social disadvantage.
It also demonstrates the value of early CGM access in newly diagnosed T2D — not only in advanced or complex disease stages — and reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between diabetes educators and GPs in achieving safe, sustainable outcomes.
The greatest achievement here was not simply improved glucose metrics. It was proof that with the right support, individuals facing significant social barriers can engage with diabetes technology, develop sustainable self-management skills, and achieve meaningful improvements in their health and wellbeing.
Because real success goes beyond diabetes.
Rema Alsaiedy
Rema Alsaiedy is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (ADEA104281) and Credentialled Consultant Pharmacist practising across general practice and community settings inAdelaide, South Australia.
Real Support. Real Outcomes
Hear from people who now feel more confident managing their health.
