Community voices
Nichole’s journey with Stelo: Harnessing data to drive change
Published: May 22, 2025
3 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Everyone in the Stelo community has a unique story to tell about their glucose health journey. For Nichole, a paralegal living in Bellingham, WA, the story is one of healing and changing the narrative around food and body image so she can enjoy more of what she loves: getting lost in a good book, a day by the water, singing with friends, or getting outside for a hike or paddleboard session.
For most of her adult life, Nichole has found navigating her health to be complicated, frustrating, and overwhelming at times. Since the fourth grade, she has struggled with disordered eating, and at age thirteen she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Later, in 2018, she received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis right after dealing with a house fire, culminating in what she describes as one of the lowest points in her life. Since then, she’s tried countless diets, medications, and lifestyle shifts in search of something that would help her feel better.
Now, after years of trial and error, Nichole says she’s finally in a better place.
“Managing my diabetes has helped me so much in my journey with healing my relationship with food and my body,” she says. “I have found an incredible doctor, and she has truly changed my life with her treatment plan. I’m so thankful.”
A big part of that plan includes using Stelo.
Finding clarity
Previously unable to get a prescription for a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, Nichole didn’t have many options for tracking her glucose. She felt immense relief when Stelo became available, as it provided an easier way to know what’s going on in her body, without constant fingersticks.
Nichole started using Stelo in September 2024 and immediately experienced a shift. “Now, I can just look at my phone and know where my glucose is at. It puts my mind at ease.”
With Stelo, Nichole doesn’t just get numbers—she sees patterns. That context has helped her understand her body in a new way. “With the trends Stelo shows me, I can see exactly how my glucose levels react to certain foods or changes in my routine. That helps me make better decisions throughout the day.”
Stelo has given Nichole the ability to observe and reflect, without judgment. She learned how her GLP-1 was helping her stay more stable after meals, and how even small actions—like a short walk or adjusting when she ate—could make a noticeable difference.
Turning data into self-care
These days, Nichole uses Stelo as a way to gently experiment—with food, movement, and daily routines. She’s found that the 10-minute walk her doctor suggested after meals actually does wonders for her glucose. She’s also been noticing how different types of exercise affect her body. Low-impact workouts have felt particularly rewarding, and with Stelo she’s been able to see that they actually do make a difference.
Her approach is rooted in curiosity, not control. “It’s fascinating to see how pasta or rice affects me—but also how something like ice cream doesn’t really cause a spike. Having that information takes away a lot of fear.”
That mindset is something Nichole has been working toward for a while. In 2025, her biggest goal is to continue developing her relationship with movement. She wants to move in ways she enjoys, rather than seeing it as punishment. “I just started Pilates and I’m loving it so much.”
Making peace with her body
More than anything, Nichole says Stelo has helped her feel less overwhelmed, and more in tune with herself. “It’s helped me feel like I’m not in the dark anymore. I just know where things are at. I’m not constantly wondering.”
She doesn’t chase perfect numbers. Instead, she’s focused on what makes her feel good: eating in a way that works for her, experimenting without judgment, and moving her body because it brings her joy.
“There shouldn’t be shame and guilt,” she says. “There are really helpful tools now. There’s hope.”
Nichole is a paid Stelo ambassador.
Reviewed by: Kristyn Milburn
MSN, NP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES
MSN, NP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES
Kristyn Milburn is a dedicated nurse practitioner and diabetes care and education specialist, holding board certification in advanced diabetes management.
