PROFESSOR DAVID STORY

CHAIR OF ANAESTHESIA, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE: TYPE 1, 30 YEARS

On a support network

At the time of diagnosis I was 24, a student doctor and just back from a successful year overseas. I felt like Superman. The diagnosis of diabetes brought me crashing down, particularly lifelong insulin and potential complications. My wife of six months hugged me when I cried and helped integrate diabetes care into our lives. Thirty years later, she still supports me without reservation. That is the key – diabetes has never been something that comes between us, it’s part of our shared lives, including the very occasional, “Don’t argue and drink this orange juice!” Good control is easier with support. It would be harder if family resented the intrusion of diabetes.