Author of Life by the Clock – Living with Diabetes

I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 10 years old but had undiagnosed diabetes from the age of 7 years old. Like all people with type 1 diabetes, my life is ruled by the clock – with meals, blood tests, insulin injections, and rest – all on a strict regime dictated by my diabetes. When I decided to write a book on life with diabetes, ‘Life by the Clock’ seemed like an obvious title!

The presentation of my Kellion medal by Dr Stocks in 2003 would have to be one of the highlights of my living with this disease since 1953. There were five other recipients, ranging in age from 53 years to 85 years. But the really interesting thing was that they were – WE were – ALL ‘characters’ of their own. Each one had his or her story to tell, and we all came from very different backgrounds and walks of life; but we all had in common, a certain steely determination; a capacity for laughing at ourselves and the ridiculous situations this rotten disease has put us in, from time to time; and a bloody-minded, bulldog tenacity. We all had that. I think it’s probably essential if you’re going to live to a fulfilled and ripe old age with diabetes!

Email: lifebytheclock@optusnet.com.au for a copy of ‘Life by the Clock – Living with Diabetes’ or order from Diabetes Australia Queensland.