179: The Relaxback UK Show with Mike Dilke - Episode 179179: The Relaxback UK Show with Mike Dilke - Episode 179
UK Health Radio Podcast
Mike Dilk talks with diabetes specialist nurse Suki Banger about type 2 diabetes, health technology and continuous glucose monitors, then speaks with Alice Tai and Matt Dawson about how antibiotics have shaped their lives and why resistance is such a concern. The conversation blends personal stories with practical guidance on using tech and medicines more thoughtfully.
42:36•18 Aug 2026
Health Tech, Diabetes and Antibiotics: How Everyday Choices Shape Future Health
Episode Overview
- Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising, and HbA1c offers a key three-month picture of their glucose levels.
- Continuous glucose monitors can reduce finger-pricking, reveal hidden glucose patterns and increase confidence in daily diabetes management.
- A landmark study (Freedom 2) suggests CGMs can help people on insulin-treated type 2 diabetes lower HbA1c even without extra clinical support.
- Antibiotics are vital for surgeries, cancer treatments and serious infections, but overuse, misuse and unfinished courses fuel bacterial resistance.
- Simple habits like finishing prescribed antibiotics, practising good hygiene, getting vaccinations and not demanding antibiotics for viral illnesses can help keep these medicines effective.
“"If you're not taking the full course, then the bacterial infection isn't being treated properly which then gives it more room to start building resistance."”
Gain insights from experts and survivors on how modern health tech and everyday habits can shape life with chronic illness. This Relaxback UK Show episode, hosted by Mike Dilk, splits into two big topics: tech for type 2 diabetes and the future of antibiotics. First up, type 2 diabetes specialist nurse Suki Banger breaks down what the condition actually is and who might get it, stripping away blame and confusion.
She explains HbA1c in plain language and stresses that many people are "walking around with elevated glucose levels" without knowing it. Suki then chats about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), calling them devices that "make the invisible visible" by showing real-time glucose trends via a small sensor on the arm. She shares how CGMs can reduce finger-pricking, help people spot the impact of things like bread and alcohol, and boost confidence in day-to-day management.
Suki also talks about tech disengagement, with research suggesting nearly half of people with diabetes are switched off from technology, and she highlights the Freedom 2 study, where people using sensors saw meaningful HbA1c improvements even without extra clinic input. The second half shifts gear to antibiotics and why their effectiveness is under threat.
Paralympian swimmer Alice Tai OBE and former England rugby scrum half Matt Dawson MBE share very personal stories where antibiotics were critical to survival and quality of life. Alice describes her elective amputation and major surgeries, while Matt recalls his young son’s life-threatening meningitis. Both support a campaign to "keep antibiotics in play" by encouraging simple actions: finishing prescribed courses, avoiding antibiotics for viral illnesses, practising good hygiene, and getting vaccinations.
If you’re curious about health tech, living with diabetes, or worried about antibiotic resistance, this episode offers real examples, clear explanations, and practical tips you can start thinking about today. How might your own habits around apps, scans and pills shape your future health?
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