Success
Stories
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.
Beyond the Diagnosis: Meeting the Person Where They Are
Credentialled Diabetes Educator Rema Alsaiedy knew that standard diabetes management approaches would not fit Mr D’s reality. Self-monitoring of blood glucose using finger-prick testing was quickly identified as impractical and potentially unsafe — carrying sharps while sleeping rough raised real concerns about being misidentified as an illicit drug user.
The solution was the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor.
Rather than imposing a rigid clinical framework, education focused on building trust, improving health literacy, and setting realistic, achievable goals within the limits of his daily life — including increasing daily walking, improving hydration, and making small adjustments to food choices where possible. Consultations were kept brief, practical, and consistent, usually around 20 minutes per week.
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.