In an awe-inspiring second for Australian sport and the diabetes group, 21-year-old Brisbane sprinter Lachlan Kennedy is the second Australian in historical past to run 100 metres in beneath 10 seconds – all whereas managing the calls for of sort 1 diabetes.
Lachie’s extraordinary efficiency in Nairobi on Might 31 not solely made international headlines but additionally sends a strong message this Nationwide Diabetes Week: individuals with diabetes can do something.
Identified at age 15, Lachie lives with sort 1 diabetes, an autoimmune situation that requires fixed monitoring and administration. Getting ready for a six-week worldwide racing tour throughout Africa, Europe and the US, he carried not simply his competitors gear, but additionally a full suite of life-saving diabetes expertise together with blood check strips, insulin pump provides, again up insulin pens, a steady glucose monitor (CGM) and sensors, in addition to insulin and coverings for low blood glucose ranges.
And when issues didn’t go to plan, Lachie did what he all the time does: saved his cool and did the perfect he may with what he had.
Two days earlier than the distinguished Prefontaine Traditional in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5, Lachie’s final blood glucose sensor stopped working. He reverted to old-school finger prick testing, whereas nursing a hairline stress fracture to his again, competing towards the quickest sprinters on this planet. His dedication underlines what 1000’s of Australians dwelling with diabetes face each day: the unrelenting, typically invisible work it takes to remain nicely.
“I don’t wish to make an enormous deal out of it. My steady glucose monitor and my insulin pump assist me to have wholesome glucose ranges, and there are not often any points,” mentioned Lachie.
“It was simply irritating and annoying that I used to be already coping with an damage and I had this further diabetes stuff to cope with too. No matter occurs although, no matter race I’m competing in, I nonetheless must handle my sort 1 diabetes.”
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain mentioned Lachie’s story is a reminder of the energy and resilience inside the diabetes group.
“Lachlan Kennedy is proof that folks with sort 1 diabetes can do something,” Ms Cain mentioned.
“This Nationwide Diabetes Week we’re highlighting the significance of stopping diabetes problems. Inexpensive entry to expertise like insulin pumps and CGMs is a vital a part of that.
“Lachlan isn’t simply an athlete. He’s a champion and an inspiration for younger Australians with sort 1 diabetes.”
With greater than 141,000 Australians dwelling with sort 1 diabetes, Lachlan’s journey issues. Folks dwelling with diabetes make round 180 further well being selections each day simply to remain secure. For a lot of, entry to life-changing expertise is restricted by value.
Lachie believes that dwelling with sort 1 diabetes has formed him into the athlete and particular person he’s right this moment.
“I feel I dwell a more healthy way of life than I’d have accomplished if I hadn’t developed sort 1 diabetes,” Lachie mentioned.
“It forces you to bear in mind, to consider your physique, to be disciplined. That undoubtedly helps on and off the observe.”
This Nationwide Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia is constant to name for expanded authorities subsidies for insulin pumps for individuals dwelling with sort 1 diabetes – notably these beneath 21, well being care card holders, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals.
The price of all forms of diabetes to the Australian well being system is now estimated at over $9.1 billion every year, with many problems preventable by means of higher assist and early intervention.
“If we will stop problems, we don’t simply save lives. We cut back hospitalisations, we defend bodily and psychological well being, and we ease stress on our well being system,” Ms Cain mentioned.
Lachie’s success on the world stage reveals what’s doable with the suitable assist. For younger individuals newly identified with diabetes, his message is straightforward:
“Don’t ever suppose diabetes will cease you. Put your self in the perfect place you possibly can, mentally and bodily, and you are able to do something.”
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the nationwide organisation supporting all individuals dwelling with or vulnerable to diabetes. We put individuals first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, customers, well being professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the group.
For extra data go to: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
