15/11/2025
🌍 World Diabetes Day — A story we never expected would be ours
For our son, and many others, Type 1 diabetes was triggered by a Covid infection. The virus set off an autoimmune response, causing the body to attack the pancreas — the organ that normally produces insulin.
He was in the middle of his HSC trial exams when he began feeling constantly thirsty and unwell. With a house move happening at the same time, the symptoms dragged on for two weeks before we finally checked his blood glucose on 6 August 2023. The reading was 30 mmol/L (normal range is 3.9–5.5). He was rushed to emergency, where doctors diagnosed DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) — a life‑threatening condition. Later that day, he was given the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.
So, what does living with Type 1 diabetes actually mean?
Needles, needles, and more needles. Not liking them isn’t an option.
Spontaneity takes planning. Every outing needs fast carbohydrates and insulin on hand.
Carbs must be counted. For every meal or drink, the carbohydrates are calculated so the correct insulin dose can be given
Insulin is vital. It’s the hormone that lets the body use blood sugar from food and drink — something most people never have to think about.
Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood. That makes it acidic, strains vital organs, and damages blood vessels. So almost everything eaten or drunk requires either an injection or a pump dose.
Insulin pumps help, but they’re not simple. Every three days a new site must be inserted (another needle), the cartridge refilled, and yes — another device that needs charging.
Finger pricks don’t disappear. Even with a continuous glucose monitor, accuracy checks mean more blood tests.
Highs and lows are dangerous. Too much glucose damages the body, but if levels drop too low (under 2.5), you can lose consciousness and slip into a coma.
Type 1 diabetes is often misunderstood. It’s not caused by lifestyle choices or “doing something wrong.” It’s the result of an autoimmune reaction.
Right now, there’s no cure. But there are many promising trials underway, and we believe our son won’t have to rely on an insulin pump forever.
