A DEVOTED diabetes nurse at Wirral University Teaching Hospital lives with type 1 diabetes while helping her daughter and patients manage the condition.

Stephanie Gisborne, who was speaking on World Diabetes Day which is held today (November 14) dedicates her life to tackling the challenges of type 1 diabetes, both personally and professionally.

Her personal routine includes a healthy diet, frequent gym visits, and outdoor activities to ensure the autoimmune disease, caused by the pancreas producing little or no insulin, does not dominate her life.

Her daughter, diagnosed at just one year old, is now 13 and also lives with the same condition, which can lead to severe health issues if not managed properly.

Mrs Gisborne said: "I literally live and breathe it 24/7."

Despite the constant presence of diabetes in her life, she considers herself "super lucky" to have access to a hybrid pump that automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on continuous glucose monitoring.

This device has been a "game-changer," alleviating some of the meticulous management of blood glucose levels.

However, she acknowledges the hard work involved in this management.

Mrs Gisborne said: "A lot of hard work and commitment is needed though.

"I try to be positive about the illness because we can still live a normal happy life.

"Research is progressing all the time."

Stephanie Gisborne (Image: Supplied) Her role as a diabetes nurse at Arrowe Park Hospital is deeply rooted in her personal experiences.

With 15 years in dialysis care and 24 years with diabetes herself, she can relate to her patients on multiple levels.

Mrs Gisborne said: "Despite being new in this role, I already had a good understanding of diabetes.

"I feel when I tell people I’m diabetic, they also engage differently with me as they know I understand how they may be feeling."

The routine of carb counting, managing blood sugar levels, and responding to alarms from her and her daughter's pump can be taxing.

However, her motivation remains strong, driven by the potential long-term complications of diabetes if not well-controlled.

She advises newly diagnosed patients to always take their medication and maintain blood glucose control to prevent future problems.

Mrs Gisborne said: "Not everyone adapts well, so share the burden and don’t do it alone."

She also encourages lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes.