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Welcome to part 2 of our Q&A with Shannon, who has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1986. Shannon lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is passionate about diabetes awareness. He knows that diabetes is a 24/7, 365-days-a-year job, and that having the right support, products and information makes a real difference.
In this part, Shannon shares his perspective on how diabetes support has changed over the years, what he'd still like to see change, and the advice he'd give his younger self.
"I think if one thing could change for diabetes, it's the climate impact it has on our natural world. At times I sit and do my pump changes and see the amount of plastic waste that is disposed of and will end up incinerated or as microplastics in the environment. I am one of millions of people across the world. When it all adds up, it's a lot of waste. It's a bigger issue for the medical industry more widely, but we should be researching better, sustainable materials for the way pump supplies, syringes and test strips are made."
"Technology has probably been the greatest physical support to diabetes management. Mental health support, and understanding the effects of mental health on diabetes, is also done a lot better now than when I was diagnosed. I was told I would have needles for the rest of my life by my own father, not a doctor, nurse or psychologist. Back in 1986, seeing a psychologist was considered very unusual, compared to the knowledge and acceptance of good mental health we have now."
"This is a long, hard journey, but you can live a rewarding and successful life and achieve anything you like. Back in 1986, I would ask if I was going to die, not whether I could be what I wanted to be. That's the positivity that needs to be instilled in young people. With the internet and so many resources close at hand, the journey is a lot easier for younger people today. If you wanted to learn about type 1 in 1986, you had to go to a library and find old books and pamphlets you'd laugh at now."
"Always think global first. Look globally, nationally, across your state and then your local area, and you'll get a great picture of what you have access to. If you want to connect with others, find local groups or online communities so you know you're not on the journey alone. As the old saying goes, 'A problem shared is a problem halved.' Don't be afraid to ask questions, and when people ask you questions, be confident in your condition. Most of the time they just want to understand it better from someone who lives with it."
Finding support in the US: The American Diabetes Association and Breakthrough T1D both offer education, local events and community programs, and many hospitals run diabetes support groups.
Glucology is an Australian-owned brand, founded in Sydney in 2016. Trusted by 350,000+ customers worldwide, we design practical everyday accessories for people managing diabetes, including insulin cooling pouches, insulin pump belts and diabetes travel cases.
General information, not medical advice. Always talk to your diabetes care team about your care.
