Every step counts: Charlie's annual One Walk tradition

Thanks for joining us Charlie! Can you share your initial experience of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? How did you and your family adapt to this new reality?

My first experience was a struggle to adapt. I relied heavily on my mum to support me as she did lots of research to understand how best to look after me and later teach me how to manage it myself.

I was always worried about standing out because of needing to go up to the office at recess and lunch at primary school and didn’t want people to think I was different because of something they didn’t understand.

Thankfully, my whole family underwent a lot of changes to make the transition easier for me, such as switching to wholemeal bread and consuming more low GI foods, so I didn’t feel left out.

Charlie at diagnosis (end of November 2006)

Living with T1D for 17 years is quite a journey. What are some significant changes you've seen in the management of diabetes during this time?

The biggest change I’ve utilised is using the pump and using CGM to manage my levels. I have seen plenty of updated BGL monitors that now upload to your pump automatically but I still use the same glucometer I got when I was first diagnosed because it’s easy to use.

As a young person living with T1D, how do you manage the condition, both physically and mentally?

Physically I play a lot of sport – basketball, running and going to the gym. I always carry a pack of jellybeans with me in my bag or in my pocket and consume a sport drink like Powerade during and/or after sport to avoid going low.

Mentally, I don’t ever focus on being a diabetic and try not to let it distract me by remembering that there are always people out there who are facing something much more severe than a simple finger prick before eating lunch.

Great mates - Charlie and his brother, Will - a wonderful support for Charlie.

Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes about type 1 diabetes you often encounter? What is something you wish others knew about living with the condition?

I think the stereotype of a diabetic has changed over time as generally people would be surprised when I told them I was diabetic and say things such as “but you’re in such great shape” or “is that because of the foods you eat,” whereas nowadays people recognise that there isn’t a stereotypical identity for a diabetic.

The one thing I wish others knew about living with diabetes is that some days it can be extremely difficult and frustrating to manage one day and then cruisy for a long time, and then it can feel impossible to manage again and vice versa. Every day can be a battle.

Why did you decide to join One Walk?

I joined the One Walk to meet other type 1 diabetics when I was younger and join the diabetes community in Australia. I’ve gone to every available walk since I was diagnosed and am grateful for the support I feel from people who come out to support me – friends, families, and everyone else.

One Walk, always greatly supported by Charlie's family and friends.

What is your wish for the future of type 1 diabetes, for yourself and everyone living with the condition?

My wish is to find a cure that enables type 1 diabetics to live without testing their BGL every day and relying on regular injections or using an insulin pump before eating. Anything to minimise the amount of time that is spent managing the diabetic-side of things.

Travelling in Japan (October 2023). You can do anything you want!