Lakes Entrance resident Yvonne Jackson, 87, has been managing Type 1 diabetes for 35 years.
Diagnosed in her early 50s, Yvonne said she experienced all the classic signs.
“I was thirsty, tired and lost weight,” she said.
“I just couldn’t get up the stairs in the night.”
Since then, her life has involved constant monitoring of her blood glucose levels and a commitment to staying informed and supported.
But she doesn’t let diabetes slow her down — she still regularly cares for her twin great grandsons. She also lives independently with the help of a GLCH home care package.
Last week was National Diabetes Week — a time to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes and the importance of early detection and ongoing management.
There are several types of diabetes, with Type 2 diabetes the most common.
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition, while Type 2 diabetes is generally linked to lifestyle factors.
East Gippsland has one of the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes in Victoria.
Yvonne, like many people with diabetes, is supported by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s credentialed diabetes educator, Melissa Ceely.
“Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but with early intervention and the right information and support, people can manage it well
and continue living full, active lives,” Melissa said.
“We’re here to help people understand how to manage their diabetes, reduce their risk of complication and to offer support at every stage of their diabetes journey.”
Over the decades, Yvonne has seen significant changes in how diabetes is managed.
“When I started it was finger pricking — and not just a droplet of blood. You had to drop quite a big blob onto the strip and then draw up your own insulin out of a little bottle,” she said.
Yvonne now wears a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, which helps her maintain more stable blood glucose levels.
“I’ve always embraced the change in technology,” she said.
Melissa said diabetes medication has also improved over time, and there’s a lot of education support available.
“As well as technology changes, diabetes education is now so much about healthy eating and lifestyle changes, which can significantly improve both your diabetes and how you feel on a daily basis,” Melissa said.
“Regular reviews with a credentialed diabetes educator ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your self-management of this condition.”
Yvonne said she hoped increased awareness would lead to a better understanding of the day-to-day realities of diabetes.
“I do get sick and tired of people saying, ‘how’s your diabetes, is it any better?’ It doesn’t get any better — it’s just constant control,” she said.
For information about diabetes management, or to book an appointment with GLCH’s credentialed diabetes educator, contact GLCH.
GLCH also runs the Life! program, which helps people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes. For those already living with diabetes, regular foot checks with a podiatrist are recommended.
