AS TOLD TO ANDREA DUVALL.HAIR & MAKE-UP LOLA DENNIS.On developing type 2 diabetes I was diagnosed
with what they called menopausal onset diabetes.
The symptoms appeared gradually over years;
I had constant urination and an absolutely
obsessive thirst. Then one day I was working in
theatre, standing next to the patient, he looked up
at me and asked, ‘Are you alright?’ And I just fell
to the floor! Where a healthy blood glucose level is
generally between 4-6, mine was 27. I’m on drugs
now (for diabetes) and I will be forevermore.
On making diet changes I’ve cut out sweet
things. Every now and then I’ll have a chocolate or
an ice-cream treat. I used to love to have my two
glasses of red or white wine at night, I don’t have
that anymore. If I go out to dinner I’ll have a glass,
but only one because wine is full of sugar.
On skincare As a nurse I was involved in a lot
of cosmetic work, things like injecting botox
and collagen, and I did have some of that done
myself, I have to say. But I stopped doing it two
years ago because I thought, ‘You’re about to
be 70, so start looking your age!’
On fitness I walk twice a day with my dog,
Harry. I can still do everything I used to, but I do
get a lot tireder and I think that feeling stifness
in your joints is just a part of ageing.
On ageing I never want to be a grumpy old
woman. You need to be happy and stay positive.
On the future As a teenager I was told I
would never have children. My husband
and I waited eight years to adopt a baby.
Then, two weeks before it arrived, I found out
I was pregnant. My daughter, Jane has just
had a baby and I look forward to being around
to see my grandson Luca grow up.GERI MCLAREN
THE VIEW^
FROM 69
Geri was director of nursing at the
Skin & Cancer Foundation for 30
years. At age 59 she was diagnosed
with late-onset type 2 diabetes, but
it hasn’t slowed her down...“BEING HAPPY
AND STAYING
POSITIVE –
THAT’S REALLY
IMPORTANT”
146 PREVENTIONAUS.COM.AU
INSPIRING WOMEN