Diabetic Living Australia — July-August 2017

For David Hawes, now 26,

joining JDRF’s T1D Connect

Facebook group provided

a lifeline during dark times.

Almost four years ago he was

an active, happy and healthy

21-year-old when, over two

weeks, he suddenly found

himself losing weight rapidly

and developing an insatiable

thirst. The result? A type 1

diagnosis and a short stay

in intensive care.

“When I came out of

hospital almost two weeks

later, I felt my life had been

turned upside down,”

Melbourne-based David

recalls. “While my friends

were out partying, I was

trying to tame this monster

called diabetes. I struggled to

cope emotionally, I stopped

going to dinner with friends

and I injected in secret. Hard

as I tried, being positive and

staying happy was almost

unimaginable. Though my

friends and family were very

supportive, I felt they didn’t

completely understand what

I was going through.”

Months later, while he

was accessing diabetes

information online, David

came across the JDRF

support group. “I was so

happy and I was one of the

first 30 to join,” he recalls.

“The support group has

given me a platform to talk

openly about my lifestyle and

mental health and connect

with other people my age who

have type 1. There are no

health professionals or even

parents involved so we all

feel able to express ourselves

honestly without being

judged. We swap tips about

everything – diet, exercise,

injecting, insulin pumps and

glucose monitors. Comments

are always met with support

and advice from others. And

if you’re having a bad day

you can reach out to other

members of the group and

immediately you receive

messages of understanding

and helpful advice that

boost your mood.”

Through the group, David

has also connected with a

new best friend who lives in

Queensland. The pair talk

every day on Facebook and

are even planning to meet up

later this year. “My support

group is much more than

just a community of like-

minded people, it is a place

where I always feel loved,

encouraged, normal and

understood,” he explains.

“This support group has

helped me feel tougher and

stronger and I no longer feel

alone. As a result I’m back

to being the fit, healthy and

very positive person I was

prior to my diagnosis.”

I feel so happy ... you can

reach out and receive advice

that BOOSTS YOUR MOOD

David’s Story:

“IT’S GREAT CONNECTING WITH

OTHERS MY AGE WHO HAVE TYPE 1”

116 JULY/AUGUST 2017 diabetic living

SELF care