ERIN BOYLE

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR, BAKER HEART AND DIABETES INSTITUTE: TYPE 1, 40 YEARS

On the early years of diagnosis

Initially I followed exactly what all the professionals were advising me, until I hit the teenage rebellion stage and landed in hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. That was a wake-up call. I saw a wonderful dietician and educator at the hospital who taught me the importance of balance. One third insulin, one third diet and one third exercise. She was a very positive influence on me and was the first to say: you can do anything you like as long as you keep the balance.