Diabetes Self-Management 4 Life

06/08/2025

Slightly simplified, but still a great overview.

20/07/2025

Do your personal values align with your chosen work? YES!!
Very privileged to land myself doing a podcast with the incredibly talented Cathie Agg.
Check out her page and prepare to be inspired!

15/07/2025

Our Children’s Diabetes Clinic is Ace! Just love having our families visit and get everything sorted in one appointment with a co-ordinated, skilled team ❤️

“He woke up like a floppy bear.”

That’s how Caroline Dyall described the moment she knew something was seriously wrong with her two-year-old son, Vann.

No family history. Just vague symptoms:
👉 Extreme thirst
👉 Tiredness
👉 Changes in behaviour

At first, Caroline dismissed diabetes. But a few nights later, Vann ended up in a resuscitation room, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a life-threatening complication.

That was six years ago.

Today, Vann is 8 years old — strong, thriving, and a regular at Gippsland Southern Health Service’s Children’s Diabetes Clinic.

Why the GSHS clinic works for Vann:
✔️ All-in-one support — pathologist, paediatrician, diabetes educator, dietitian, social worker
✔️ Appointments every six weeks = fewer school absences
✔️ Kid-friendly sessions with fun themes
✔️ Ongoing phone and email support between visits

“It's a one-stop shop, and that makes all the difference,” says Caroline, who now also volunteers as a Type 1 Foundation Gippsland Ambassador.

This National Diabetes Week (13–19 July), prevention and proactive care are front and centre.

Whether it’s avoiding complications, detecting type 2 early, or screening for type 1 — action today creates healthier tomorrows.

Here’s how you can get started:
✅ Use the free AUSDRISK tool to check your type 2 risk: The Life! Program by Diabetes Victoria
✅ Have a family member with type 1? Consider the Type1Screen program: Type1Screen – Screening for Type 1 Diabetes
✅ Living with diabetes? Book regular checks for eyes, feet, kidneys and blood pressure

Let’s raise awareness, reduce confusion, and support every person’s unique diabetes journey — just like we support Vann.

10/07/2025

23/06/2025

This image says a lot, but it’s only part of the picture for those living with Type 1. Tough gig.

Great visual representation!

27/10/2024

APS ISPAD Annual Workshop. Never fails to inspire 👩‍🎓🥰

25/09/2024

A diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes has a huge impact. The Type 1 Foundation is doing such amazing work in supporting families navigating the challenges ❤️

20/09/2024

🧐 Did you know your skin is the ultimate superhero?

It’s the largest organ in your body, tough enough to protect you from the world, yet soft enough to let you move freely. But, just like any superhero, it needs a little help to perform at its best—especially when wearing your Extended™ infusion set for up to 7 days*! 💥

✨ Skin Facts & Prep Tips:

1. Prep your skin like you’re prepping for battle! 🧽 Scrub away dead cells, clean the surface, and stretch it out for a smooth, secure stick.
2. Don’t let sweat be your enemy! Try a non-deodorant antiperspirant to keep that adhesive locked in place! 💪
3. Bonus hack: Reinforce your infusion set with tapes like Tegaderm™ or Opsite Flexifix™ for extra durability.

The right prep means your infusion set can stick around for longer—so you can focus on living your life, not worrying about re-sticking. 🏖️🌞

🔗 To learn more about our Extended™ Infusion Set skin prep head here:https://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/sites/default/files/taping_tips_for_extended_infusion_set.pdf

Pro tip: The right prep routine ensures your skin is ready for up to a 7-day* adventure with the Extended™ infusion set. 🚀



ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Information contained here is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and any further information with your healthcare professional.
References:* Vs the 3-day infusion set MiniMed™ Quick-set™

09/09/2024

Type 1 Screen is a free screening service available to any family member of a person with type 1 diabetes (T1D), that can determine a person’s risk of developing the condition through a simple blood test that can even be performed at home.

JDRF funds Type1Screen because we know how important early detection is, to help to prevent critical illness at diagnosis and bring about a better prognosis and management of the condition in the longer term.

For more information or to take part in the study, visit our website: jdrf.org.au/clinical-trials/type-1-screen/

10/08/2024

The silent challenges people can’t see. Thanks for sharing Lila💗

18/07/2024

♥️♥️

💙 NATIONAL DIABETES WEEK 💙

“When you think Type 1 diabetes - what comes to mind??

Most people say things to us like...
“Oh he can’t eat that it has sugar!”
“Did you let him eat whatever he wanted when he was a toddler?!”
“He will grow out of it!”

No ✋🏼 Please stop! As parents our guilt is NEVER ending, try adding in multiple daily injections & finger sticks! We feel judged more than we feel heard or supported.

So please ASK questions. EDUCATE yourself because knowledge is power and it could save a life! 💙

What a cool warrior my batman is! “👇🏽- Type1 Mum Ally 💚