How Omnipod® 5 Changed My Life and My Hikes for the Better
Paul B. is a 52-year-old maintenance manager at a busy hotel, a certified personal trainer who runs high-energy HIIT classes part-time, and a Podder®. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and traveling to recharge and stay inspired. Diagnosed with diabetes in 2014; after having most of his pancreas removed due to acute pancreatitis and recurring pseudocysts, Paul shares his journey below…
Technology That Moves with Me
Living with diabetes used to mean constantly thinking ahead—planning for food, exercise, energy crashes, and the fear of glucose level spikes or sudden drops. It was exhausting. But all of that changed the day I started using the Omnipod 5, paired with the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus.
I’m an outdoor lover, Wainwright finisher and the proud founder of Mountain Mates UK, a Facebook hiking group that thrives on adventure, stunning scenery, and the kind of physical challenge that tests both body and mind. Managing my diabetes while leading hikes in remote areas used to feel like walking a tightrope.
Now, it feels like freedom.
The Omnipod 5 System, combined with my continuous glucose monitoring, works with my body in real-time. Whether I’m climbing, descending, or simply navigating an unpredictable day on the trail, the system adapts and automatically delivers insulin when needed and holds back when it’s not.
This means fewer disruptions, no more constant finger pricking, and way less worry about hypos when I’m halfway up a ridge or leading the group through rocky paths.
A Massive Milestone
Since transitioning to an Automated Insulin Delivery System, my glucose control has never been better. I’ve brought my levels down so consistently that I’m now operating within pre-diabetic ranges.
And that’s not just a win on paper. It’s a huge leap forward in how I feel daily: more energy, less brain fog, and a real sense of better management of my diabetes.
Leading the Way with Confidence
As the person responsible for others in a hiking group, I need to be sharp, reliable, and ready for anything. The Omnipod 5 lets me focus on leading the group, not just managing diabetes. It gives me confidence knowing my system is working in the background, adjusting as needed without the constant hands-on tweaking I used to deal with.
It’s rugged enough to keep up with my lifestyle. Whether I’m on a rainy Lakeland trail or under the blazing sun, it’s got my back.
Living with diabetes and staying active, especially outdoors, can be a real challenge. But imagine having the freedom, energy, and confidence to do what you love without constantly worrying about your glucose levels.
For me, the Omnipod 5 has been a gamechanger. Whether I’m out exploring with Mountain Mates UK or tackling a hectic day at work, it has given me back a life I thought I had to compromise on. It’s not just about better management; it’s about reclaiming your life and living it to the fullest.
And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.