‘I Believe in a Cure’

My mum and I both had a fear of needles. So, my dad supported me with injections until I could manage my own. He was my hero.

I tried a pump, but it didn’t sit well with me. I was an active child and found it a hindrance. I do finger-prick checks for glucose monitoring. I am so used to this that I sometimes forget the people around me have never seen these before.

Initially, the stigma followed me but instead of hiding my condition, I decided to educate people and normalise it. I became more outspoken. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t have a peer support network, it felt very lonely.

This motivated me to study biomedical science. I am now doing my Masters in diabetes research. I am currently undertaking a research placement focussed on pancreas regeneration. One day this research might form part of a cure for type 1 diabetes, or at least reduce the number of injections I need to have each day.

I became a Diabetes Victoria Future Leader last year. As a future leader, I spread awareness of diabetes and talk to others facing the challenges of a life with this invisible condition. I now have a wonderful community around me.

Being a Diabetes Victoria Future Leader has helped me find my voice. I will not give up on my dreams. If I want to be a researcher, diabetes is not going to stop me.

We need great research. Diabetes is really complicated. It is not as simple as high blood glucose levels.

I believe there is going to be a cure one day. Maybe not now, maybe not in 10 years. Maybe it is 20 years down the road. Or maybe next year, we don’t know. A breakthrough might just come in.”

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