Legends of Living with Type 1 Diabetes – Amy

National Diabetes Week 2024

As part of the lead-up to the release of Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, I am sharing stories of people who live with type 1 diabetes. Today, I am sharing Amy’s story. It also happens to be National Diabetes Week. The theme this year is centred around the fact that all people living with diabetes should be able to access the life-saving technology we need to live well.

Currently in Australia, access to diabetes technology is not fair or equitable. Some people have technology like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices and insulin pumps, while others are unable to access these for various reasons. Diabetes Australia and many others around the country are advocating for this to change.

Our fight starts and ends with community. Together, we are raising our voice and fighting for change.

Let’s unite in the fight for tech.


Diabetes Australia

Having had type 1 diabetes myself since 1979, I have seen enormous changes to the options for managing my health. But even with subsidies, life with type 1 diabetes brings many additional costs. And for those who cannot access those financial subsidies, it can be impossible.

Find out how you can get involved and learn more here.

Thank you to Amy for sharing a look into your life with type 1 diabetes.

Amy’s Story

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in October 1996 when I was only three years old.

Being so young at diagnosis, I’ve never known any differently, thankfully. I do remember that when I was growing up, I had to be more careful at school than the other kids about food, checking my blood sugars and so on. I had lots of support from my family as a child and now my husband is my biggest support.

One of the hardest things about life with type 1 diabetes is that after 28 years, I do have carry-on effects and other conditions I have to deal with that are related to the impac of diabetes on my body. I have learned that you should never take your health for granted.

In coping with the daily stresses of managing type 1 diabetes, my husband is my biggest support, and having the type 1 community to chat to when I need! 

Thank you for sharing your story, Amy and for giving us a peek into what’s it like to live with diabetes from such a young age. It’s interesting seeing how different it is for someone diagnosed very young in terms of acceptance of having the condition.

Helen

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