Healthy Living with Type 1 Diabetes - F45 Hamilton Central Open Day

There are currently 250,000 individuals living with Diabetes in New Zealand with a majority of these cases being Type 2 Diabetes. Only 5-10% of people living with Diabetes experience Type 1 Diabetes and is usually diagnosed in children.

There is a great deal of ambiguity regarding the different types of Diabetes as well as their effects on day to day life. This year I celebrated my 19th year living with Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of two with having no family history of the autoimmune disease. 6 years later, my younger brother was also diagnosed at random with Type 1. Over the past 7 years we have received funding for our insulin pumps which helps to regulate our blood glucose levels. My younger brother is currently at risk of losing his funding meaning in order to keep the pump my family would have to purchase it for a total cost of approximately $6,500 as well as $2,000 per year for consumables.

I would like to help raise funds for families such as mine in addition to creating more awareness on the different types of Diabetes with a particular emphasis on Type 1 Diabetes.

About Diabetes New Zealand

‘Diabetes New Zealand is a charity that represents and supports people with diabetes. We’ve been around for over 50 years and have a National Office in Wellington, and branches across the country with staff and volunteers who help people live well with diabetes. Diabetes NZ represents & supports people with diabetes. Every person in New Zealand affected by, or at risk of diabetes has access to the information & support needed to manage their health & well-being.’

Find more information on

- https://www.diabetes.org.nz/about

- https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/diabetes