SMALL changes
Diabetic Living Australia|March - April 2020
Mum of five Kim Thompson, of Christchurch, shares how her family helped turn her life around after a shock diabetes diagnosis just before her 39th birthday
ELLIE GRIFFITHS
SMALL changes

In the 16 months following her diagnosis, Kim lost 57 kilograms, and says the “huge wake-up call” was the best thing to happen to her and her family.

“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in October 2017, four days before my 39th birthday – it was a huge shock, and I was terrified, because my blood glucose count was very high and the doctor was worried about me. I was living on seven to 10 cans of Coke a day, ate a large range of bad foods, and did limited exercise.

“Sadly, I was lazy. Although my birth family is riddled with type 2 (some have lost limbs to diabetes), I still let myself go. So, this diagnosis was a huge wake-up call for me. I have five kids and I want to be as healthy as I can be. I want to be with them as they grow up, and I have big plans for my life when they fly the coop.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DIABETIC LIVING AUSTRALIAView all
A whole new world
Diabetic Living Australia

A whole new world

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2023
5 Days 5 Dinners
Diabetic Living Australia

5 Days 5 Dinners

Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!

time-read
7 mins  |
March - April 2023
Fantastic Feta
Diabetic Living Australia

Fantastic Feta

This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish

time-read
5 mins  |
March - April 2023
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
Diabetic Living Australia

My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"

When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
Diabetic Living Australia

INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA

A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?

time-read
4 mins  |
May -June 2023
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetic Living Australia

7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease

Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Diabetic Living Australia

GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER

Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Diabetic Living Australia

WHAT IS Wegovy?

Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Diabetic Living Australia

MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES

Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
Diabetic Living Australia

DOLLARS AND DIABETES

When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.

time-read
1 min  |
May -June 2023