‘I make diabetes part of my everyday life’
Dad’s 50 years of battling disease
A TEAM of diabetes experts is coming to Geelong to help support and educate those living with the disease, which affects thousands of local residents.
Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast have high rates of type 1 diabetes, according to Diabetes Victoria.
Australia wide, 8.3 per cent of people living with diabetes have type 1, however, in Greater Geelong 10.4 per cent have type 1, while on the Surf Coast it is 12.8 per cent.
There were more than 13,000 people in Greater Geelong living with type 2.
Grovedale’s Paul Slevin, 53, was diagnosed with type 1 as a two-year-old after losing a lot of weight and looking very pale.
He said learning to care for a toddler with diabetes had been challenging for his family but his mum always made sure he was well looked after.
“At Christmas time she even wrapped my diabetic lollies in wrappers to match all the other lollies,” he said.
“I have been able to live my life in an inclusive environment throughout school and the workforce.”
He works as a carpenter and joiner, and said his employer of 36 years had been very accepting.
“I have been able to make diabetes part of my everyday life in work, in sport and with family and friends,” Mr Slevin said. Starting insulin pump therapy has made the biggest impact on his diabetes management – next to the support he receives from his partner.
“I have lost count of how many times she has given me food, drink, called an ambulance and got up in the middle of the night to revive me from a ‘hypo’ and get me back on track,” he said.
Mr Slevin, who loves spending time with his teenage daughter, was recently acknowledged by Diabetes Victoria with a Kellion Victory Medal for living with the condition for 50 years.
Diabetes Victoria will be hosting a “Living Well with Diabetes” event in Geelong next week.
The sessions will provide the type 1 and type 2 diabetes community with information and advice about managing their diabetes.
Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet others living with diabetes at the Geelong Events Centre at Rydges Geelong. Attendance is free but registration is essential.
Attendees must hold a National Diabetes Services Scheme registration number and are invited to bring a loved one or support person.
The event will be held on Wednesday, November 16 with the type 2 session between 1pm and 4pm and type 1 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Register online via the NDSS event portal.