Army medical gives Alan early diagnosis
Rolling up for an Army medical examination proved a life-changing experience for former Neerim Junction man Alan Bransgrove but not the change he was expecting.
Mr Bransgrove, now aged 72, planned to join the Army in 1967 during the height of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War but the medical test put an end to that.
The examination discovered he had type 1 diabetes, ruling him out of joining the service.
Last week Mr Bransgrove was presented with a medal, not for military service, but the Kellion Victory Medal for having lived with the disease for 50 years.
He travelled to Warragul from Paynesville, where he moved earlier this year to live with his brother Graham, to accept the medal from Type 1 Diabetes program engagement officer for Victoria Giovanna Taverna.
The Kellion Medal is named in honour of the late Claude Kellion, a Sydney businessman that established a foundation to promote diabetes research after his 38 year-old son died from complications resulting from the illness.
Ms Taverna told a meeting of the West Gippsland Older Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, where the presentation was made to Mr Bransgrove, that diagnosis of the disease a century ago meant a premature death.
Then, half of those that developed Type 1 diabetes died within two years and 90 per cent lived less than five years, she stated, adding that while there is still no cure innovations have improved life expectancy and quality of life enormously.
In 80 per cent of cases there is no known family history of type 1 diabetes the illness but Mr Bransgrove’s sister also suffers with it and his two brothers have developed type 2 diabetes.
With his army aspirations brought to an unexpected end Mr Bransgrove returned to Neerim Junction, went back to work at a local sawmill, learned to inject insulin at the Neerim District Memorial Hospital and received great support from his boss and workmates.
He kept working until recently although about 25 years ago developed a common complication of the disease, diabetic retinopathy, and has been legally blind in one eye ever since.
Mr Bransgrove said he was grateful to live with and get support and reassurance from his brother, Graham, who last week was also recognised by Diabetes Victoria with the presentation of a carer’s award.