My Active Life: That's a Flex!

Published: 23 July, 2026 - Read time: 6 mins

Meet Monique: Running her first marathon

Hi there, I’m Monique. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 20 years ago, in October 2006. At the time, I was pretty active — I had been a cheerleader my whole life and continued to cheer post diagnosis. But once I got to college, my active lifestyle started to dwindle. By March 2026, my idea of exercise was walking the dogs or spending the day at Disneyland. Over the years I’d participated in a few Breakthrough T1D and Multiple Sclerosis walks. But running a marathon? That had never crossed my mind. 

The moment that everything changed

In March 2026, I attended an event to celebrate the MiniMed IPO as a MiniMed Ambassador. I met a bunch of amazing people, including Jae Trevits, the president of Beyond Type 1. 

I told her I wanted to do more in the community and become involved with Beyond Type 1. Her immediate response was “Run the New York Marathon with us.” I knew this would be a challenge, but one that I was ready to take on. One week later, I started training for a marathon. 

Finding my stride

Introducing MiniMed Flex into my training

A few months into my training, I started using the MiniMed Flex pump, and it has been a tremendous help. My phone is already in my hand - because I’m constantly picking the next best Beyoncé song - so my glucose levels are easy to see without having to take out my pump. I can also adjust my alerts to try and mimic some of Jolo’s early alerting. 

My current favorite feature during training is the Alert Before Low.^† I never really used this feature before I started running, but it definitely has come in handy. When I get an alert, I can quickly grab a sour Starburst or honey stick out of my fanny pack and keep moving without stopping. The alert gives me an opportunity to take actions sooner, and ideally prevent a low from happening during my training. 

Starting with a new pump system also requires patience - you have to let the system learn you. My first workout with the MiniMed Flex felt a lot like my very first day using an insulin pump. I had to give both myself and the system grace. It took some adjustments, but now we’re in sync. 

My pre-run routine

Preparing for a workout is a fairly simple process for me — mostly because I’m still new to running and learning as I go. About 30 minutes before, I eat a meal or snack, focusing on foods that will help keep me stable a little longer (hello, peanut butter). Around the same time, I also start using the Temp Target feature. 

Wearing it my way

I typically clip my Flex pump to the waistband of my running bottoms. For the most part, it stays out of the way. Sometimes it may interfere with my bag that holds all my low snacks, but moving the pump to the back of my pants usually solves the problem. 

I love that the MiniMed Flex is slimmer than previous pumps. But honestly, I showcase my pump on a regular basis. I love fun, decorative devices, so hiding the pump or keeping it discreet is not my style! 

A perfect run (Yes, really)

So far, I have had one perfect workout session — no lows, no highs. I “prepared” for my run with a brownie, set Temp Target for 2 hours and began running. During the run, I received a few “Alert Before Low” alerts and treated them with honey sticks or candy. 

By the end of the run, my sensor glucose was about 110 mg/dL, and I never went below 90 mg/dL. 

I sometimes feel anxious about going high or low before a workout. I manage that by telling myself that it will happen and I will be prepared. My fanny pack is always stocked with juice, candy, an insulin vial, and a syringe. I try to hydrate before and after each run, and I give myself permission to take a break when I need one. Taking a break doesn’t mean it will stop my progress. My goal is simply to finish. 

Around the clock: Post-workouts and overnight

The MiniMed Flex has worked spectacularly after my workouts. Alert before low and Meal Detection^TM technology^‡ have both come in handy. After a run, I’m usually ready to eat the first thing I see - and I don’t always remember to bolus right away after a run. 

Overnight, my biggest guardian is Jolo and his super nose. But the MiniMed Flex alerts on my phone have helped make my fiancé aware when I need support. It’s hard to ignore multiple devices — pump, fitness watch, both of our phones — and a dog alerting at 3 a.m. 

The power of a support system

I have always been very open and transparent about my diabetes. I feel safer when the people around me understand what’s going on and know how to help. I love that my family can follow my CGM and pump information through the CareLink^TM Connect app on their phones and receive notifications - even if I sometimes do limit their access for my own sanity. 😊

MiniMed Flex makes it easier for my family to stay informed, giving them — and me — an added sense of security. I also know that if I miss an alert on my phone, I have additional alerts from my pump and Apple Watch.

My biggest piece of advice

One of my biggest pieces of advice for anyone living with diabetes is to remember that we are all different. What works for me today may not work for you. It may not even work for me tomorrow. You have to find the devices, supplies, routines and support that work for you. 

My biggest takeaway has been to give yourself - and your system - time. I’ve been a MiniMed pump user for over 15 years and I’m truly happy with the technology, algorithms, and support I receive. But I also know that everything takes time. Anytime I upgrade to a new MiniMed pump system, I give myself time to adjust. I understand that everything may not work perfectly right away, and that’s ok. 

We all have different journeys and paths in life, even without diabetes. We have to approach our chronic illnesses and disabilities with that same understanding. My progress is not a tutorial for yours.

A FLEX worth celebrating

Not only am I running a marathon for the first time — I’m running for the first time. I’m also consistently exercising for the first time since I was a teenager. 

As a model and actress, I hear “no” at least 50 times a day. To anyone who has been told that they cannot do something, I always say two things: 

1. That’s okay!  

2. Sometimes, something just needs to be adjusted. 

For me, MiniMed Flex has taken those “no’s” and turned them into “yes, just different”. This year, my diabetes is celebrating its 20th birthday by showing the world that people with diabetes are capable of anything, and honestly that’s a FLEX! (cringe)

Footnotes

† WARNING: Do not use the Suspend before low or Suspend on low features to prevent or treat low glucose. Always follow the instructions of a healthcare professional to treat low glucose. Using Suspend before low or Suspend on low features to prevent or treat low blood glucose (BG) may result in prolonged hypoglycemia.
‡ Taking a bolus 15-20 min before a meal provides significant improvement in post meal control.