Making the Right Decisions when they Matter Most.

“You don’t draw blood every day without developing a thicker skin.”

I admit that the above quote gave me chills, especially after hearing Max Domi steadfastly utter those words.

Max, a World Junior Ice Hockey Champion and son of famed Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi, has Type 1 Diabetes. He regulates his blood sugar levels using an insulin pump attached to his hip. During games, he excuses himself every 15 minutes to test his blood glucose level. And, he wears number 16 in homage to Bobby Clarke, a famed hockey player who also suffered with the disease. (Source)

So, how’s your day going? Got any excuses for why you’re not on top of your game?

In Canada, there were 3.3 million people living with diabetes in 2014, of whom between 5 and 10 per cent would have Type 1, which for Max and others will be a lifelong concern. Chances are, you know someone afflicted with the disease. And even though there is no cure – only ways to manage symptoms and prevent complications – more and more Canadians diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes have achieved extraordinary professional milestones despite living with the disease. Like Dessi Zaharieva, MMA Artist and International Tae Kwon Do Bronze Medalist. Or James Coones, a Fire Captain with the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. And my personal favourite, Max Domi, captain of the London Knights.

I’m no stranger to diabetes. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed at a young age, and I had two high school friends who either regularly tested their blood glucose levels or injected insulin on a daily basis. But it didn’t let it stop them. 

I’m no stranger to autoimmune disease. I inject myself weekly with a biologic drug and have monthly blood tests to monitor my levels of inflammation and liver function. But I don’t let it stop me.

When it comes to testing blood glucose, accuracy is paramount. Diabetics depend on a meter to help make important decisions in their blood glucose management. Industry standards have an acceptable error range of ±15% to lab results. But Bayer’s CONTOUR NEXT meter gives an even more accurate reading with ±10% to lab results. Plus, with Second-Chance Sampling, diabetics can apply more blood to the same strip if they didn’t get enough the first time, helping to prevent wasted test strips.

Accurate readings can help make the right decisions when they matter most.

Do you know a Type 1 diabetic? Share this coupon to receive a FREE Bayer CONTOUR NEXT meter with the purchase of CONTOUR NEXT Test Strips. Professional athletes like Max Domi trust Bayer’s CONTOUR NEXT meter for an easy testing experience, more tracking knowledge with 7-, 14-, 30- and 90-day averages of blood glucose levels, and simple, plain language messages with no codes or abbreviations.

For more information, visit www.poweredbyaccuracy.ca. Every time you share one of the ambassador videos, Bayer will donate $1 towards Diabetes Research and Advocacy. Plus, you’ll have the chance to enter to win Powered By Accuracy prizes.

Today, I count my blessings. Frequently. But I often look to others for inspiration. And just knowing that Canadians continue to reach extraordinary milestones – despite their illnesses – is all the motivation I need to give it my all, every day.

This post was sponsored by Bayer. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.