Your generosity is why we can support people living with or at risk of diabetes.
Together, we form a tight-knit community.
The most important thing to us is to ensure that we always remain relatable so our diabetes family and community know they can always turn to us for help and support always.
To better understand the impact of diabetes and what it means to have the right support, we turned to four people and their families to share their experiences and guide us to being a better, more vital organisation for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
Peter and Gail
As for many people living with diabetes, hypos were a part of their journey and Gail recounts the most severe that resulted in convulsions and a stay in RAH in an induced coma.
“It was beyond traumatic but the only thing I could do was be there for him throughout it all.”
Over the years, with the help of his medical teams and the unwavering support of his wife, Peter went through many health challenges including a heart attack, triple bypass, two strokes, and toe amputation.
“Gail is my wife of 45 years, and because of her helping me, caring for me and supporting me, I have been able to live a full and satisfying life from work to travel and everything in between,” concluded Peter.
With your help, Diabetes SA can provide increased support to carers and ensure they are recognised for their extraordinary contribution to the lives of their loved ones living with diabetes.
Karam
Karam knew that because he has paternal and maternal diabetes in the family, and he is a man of Indian heritage, that he was at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes…
“I am a naturally inquisitive person and so once I received the diagnosis and was just provided medication with no other information, I decided to educate myself!”
Karam read best-selling nutrition books and used the internet to find out all he could about how to support himself in changing the course of his diabetes journey.
“But while this has been my experience, there are many people that may not be able to find out for themselves what the best course of action is. They need support and guidance direct from a health professional because they may not have the technology, or they may find it very difficult to understand what to do. It is a minefield of information and can truly be overwhelming.”
Karam now has a care plan for long term support, and has also introduced a podiatrist to his diabetes management regime.
“I have a two year old daughter and I did not want my family to see my health decline.”
Thank you for your past generosity. There is a dire need for better education in the community for people newly diagnosed about how they can access diabetes related support and services from Diabetes SA. More people can be helped, and our team are here to offer support. Can you help us by donating to this vital campaign.
Gus, Jihan, Lanna, Hanna And Bassil
Bassil is the youngest of three children born to Gus and Jihan. They are a very warm, caring, and tight-knit family who offered to share their story and struggles to help others navigate the diabetes journey.
Jihan’s brother had type 1 diabetes and she grew up with knowledge of the condition, so when she suspected Bassill had type 1 diabetes, sh turned to a GP for assistance only to be told
“A child that age cannot get diabetes.”
Everywhere the family turned after that were roadblocks. Gus and Jihan discovered early on that they needed to form a formidable team to advocate for their son, educate others, and pave the way for Bassil to have equal opportunities in life, ensuring his active participation and inclusion.
Then in 2018 at age 10, Lanna was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“Even though we knew it could happen and the tests showed she was at high risk, we still grieved when we heard the diagnosis. We were already exhausted, and now we had to care for two children with this condition,” echoed Gus and Jihan.
But the family pulled together, all supporting each other and then accessed the support they needed from health professionals. Diabetes SA helped with advocacy and education in schools as well as much needed respite through camps for both children.
The most important thing that the family wanted to share is the importance of honesty, open communication, advocacy and informed decision-making in effectively managing and living well with type 1 diabetes.
The need for improved advocacy for all people living with diabetes is essential. Everyone deserves to have their voices heard and needs met. With the generosity you have previously shown Diabetes SA can provide increased support and advocacy. Will you donate today to help us?
Cheryl
Cheryl is the fourth generation in her family who lives with type 2 diabetes.
“I had gestational diabetes early in both my pregnancies, and I knew because of my family history, the likelihood of developing type 2 was very real,” said Cheryl.
As she worked in remote and rural locations, life was very busy juggling her career, her marriage, study, and raising two daughters.
“It was really difficult to access health professional care where we were, and the quality of care was definitely not like the city. I knew I had pre-diabetes for 10 years and I did try to do all the right things, but I only knew what I knew back then,” she said.
Cheryl sighed before she said,
“I also want to be as open as I can about my challenges with mental health and the difficulties brought about by having diabetes and managing medications because I know I’m not alone. It does take its toll and you feel alone.”
Access to support in rural and remote areas is a vital part of any program delivery. People living in these areas are three times more likely to develop diabetes and then they have the added challenge of not being able to get proper medical care or access support they need. You have donated to other vital campaigns so can we please rely on you again this time?
We have the programs and people to build on these key areas and all we need now is your donation.
You have helped us do so much – can we ask you again to please help us to help the community?
Yours sincerely.
Angelique Pasalidis
CEO
P.S: Please act quickly because June 30 is just around the corner! All donations over $2 to Diabetes SA are tax deductible and we are grateful for your support.