Bec Ritchie - Diabetes Educator

09/11/2025

When Choice Becomes a Barrier: Let’s Talk About Healthcare Rights in Diabetes Care

Families living with type 1 diabetes deserve options—not ultimatums. Yet some have shared that after seeking private support, they were told they could no longer access public services. This isn’t just unfair—it’s a breach of healthcare rights.

Children thrive when care is timely, flexible, and emotionally safe. I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right tools—like pump therapy—can empower kids to take charge of their own management. But no family should have to choose between timely support and continued access to public care.

I’ve raised these concerns with ADEA, Diabetes Australia, and Breakthrough T1, and they agree: we must do better.

That’s why I’m working on a new collaboration, model of care and practical resources to help families advocate for the support they deserve. My goal is to empower individuals, complement public services, and protect your right to choose. Because your life shouldn’t shrink to fit a system—it should expand with support.

STAY TUNED!

If you’ve experienced barriers, I’m listening. Let’s build something better—together.

You can Take Action
• Share your story via Diabetes Australia's Spark Change platform to help drive policy reform. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/spark-change/
• Contact your local MP and care facilities to raise awareness about these systemic issues.
• Visit the Diabetes Australia Advocacy page to learn more and add your voice to the movement. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/advocacy/

07/11/2025

Imagine being a 69 year old, having lived with type 1 for 36 years. Desperately needing a knee operation because you live in agony every day but the surgeon won’t do it until you get your Hba1c down from 9+% to under 7%.

They often say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks (sorry to this client but I know she would laugh at that 🤪) but we did!

Where she was previously “lucky to get 45% time in range”, below are the photos I got this morning! At 69 years old she is friggen kicking butt at new technology and feeling so much better for it!

I am so very very proud of her and all of my clients that make the first step to link in with me so I can support them to make such significant change!

And if you are worried about being judged or criticised, I can honestly say, the worse your time in range, the more excited I get because the more I know you will love me after we get to know each other!

If a pump is financially out of reach for you, please check out my previous post and sign the petition to help get government access! But even without pumps, I do have ways to help you put diabetes back in the back seat where it belongs!

06/11/2025

29 days until the big event!!
6th of December
12pm-4pm

Venue is booked
Santa is organised
Crafts are sorted
Games are planned out
Prizes are starting to build
Lollies have been counted
Sponsorship requests have been sent
(If you know any local businesss who may be willing to support us, please share my details or contact me with their info!)
Baking will start this weekend

Still looking for some volunteers to hep man some activities on the day, so send me a message if you are keen to get involved!

Now I just need registrations!!
Come on people, you won’t want to miss this!
You have been screaming for a community, here is your chance to join it! Let’s make this bigger than I can possibly handle! I don’t want to run out of food or presents or activities or prizes, so even if you are on the fence, please register and just add that as a comment in the registration form!

https://www.seediabetes.com.au/single-projectr

Explore the events below for incredible opportunities to connect and celebrate our unique strengths—the highs, lows, and everything in between of life with Type 1 Diabetes—with others who truly understand.

06/11/2025

Some pretty amazing voices are trying to make some noise to help us get pumps subsidised! Please sign the petition!

Make Automated Insulin Delivery affordable for all Australians with type 1 diabetes

05/11/2025

Calling everyone who can’t make it to the Christmas party, it’s your turn to win a prize!

Guess how many “hypo treatments” aka jelly beans (because everyone has a different amount to treat) are in the jar!
And for those who are gross and like black ones (just kidding but not my fave) guess how many are in the small jar with all black ones.

I will leave this open until the Christmas party (6/12) and then I will announce the winner and contact you for a postal address to get the prize to you!

If more than one person picks the winning number, I may organise another prize but I wont be counting out jelly beans again 🤪!

Jar with rainbow jelly beans is 15cm tall
Jar with black jelly beans is 10cm tall

03/11/2025

Here in Victoria we had our first hot day yesterday, how did everyone’s glucose levels cope?
Mine usually drops low in the heat, but yesterday it went higher than usual.

Here’s what happens when the temperature rises:

• Dehydration can cause glucose levels to spike. When we sweat more and drink less, our blood becomes more concentrated, which can push glucose levels higher. I am pretty confident this is why I went up yesterday and I am still paying for it today! Silly me not drinking enough water!

• Insulin absorption speeds up in the heat. If you use insulin, warm weather can cause it to be absorbed faster from the injection site, increasing the risk of hypos (low blood sugar).

• Heat can affect diabetes tech and medications. Glucose monitors, insulin pens, and pumps may not work as reliably in extreme temperatures.

• Activity levels often change. Hot days might mean less movement, which can also lead to higher glucose levels.

So tell me, what happens to your levels in the heat? And what are your tips for managing? Let’s me a collaborative plan before the real heat kicks in!

02/11/2025

What a weekend!! I have been fully consumed in the zone getting everything sorted for the Christmas party! Still so much work to do but making incredible progress! I am so excited!

But also, I have a few lollies and a jar left over, so I’m going to run a “guess the hypo treatments in the jar” for those who can’t make it to the party! I will post the jar to the winner. So stay tuned for that coming soon!

31/10/2025

Christmas party is coming fast! Get your free tickets before I close registrations for catering purposes!

I want to meet as many of you as possible!!

https://www.seediabetes.com.au/single-project

31/10/2025

Let’s talk about leaving our kids in someone else’s care! I would love to hear how you feel your kids school handles the added complexity of diabetes. If your school is a 10/10, please share in the comments what works and what doesn’t because I have a few families that need some pointers.

29/10/2025

Well, that was a super positive response about the fridge magnet guides.

I don't want to pay for production of something that doesn't meet your needs, so give me your feedback! Keeping in mind, this is just the information, and I am working with a graphic designer to make it much easier to follow!

Starting with hypoglycaemia, is this information what you are expecting? Too much? Or not enough?