Illana Vallelonga

Living with Diabetes

A short 22 months into Type 1 Diabetes with my Son Xavier but it feels like a lifetime! How did I go from not knowing a thing about Diabetes, to now feeling like I'm a master of the challenge. Just when you think you have it figured out and numbers are steady, BOOOM another challenge arises. As a single mum, it can all be so overwhelming and exhausting. Trying to manage diabetes, be present with both kids, start a new business, study, maintain my mental health and plan healthy eating routines every single day is A LOT. But I still feel so incredibly lucky and grateful for how much we are growing as individuals and as a family (as crazy as each day gets) I love that Xavier is so comfortable with his diabetes, he has really made the journey a lot easier. Being able to keep learning and meet new families is a wonderful thing! I will continue to support this walk every year, and hopefully with the walk also being in Mildura this year, it will take off and continue to spread awareness and educate more people.

I'm walking in Mildura to turn type one into type none!

It's almost that time of the year again as we get closer to World Diabetes day. I am beyond excited for this walk to be in our home town Mildura for the first time in March 2025. I am lucky enough to be a part of this and I’m looking forward to having more people join the walk locally.