When Renza Scibilia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1998 she was 24 years old, didn’t know anything about the disease and was running her own business teaching music. As a classically trained flute player, she’s the first to admit it wasn’t exactly the obvious training ground for a future career in health advocacy. Fast forward to this year and a few months ago she was speaking at a virtual World Health Organisation event that brought people from all over the globe together to talk about diabetes.
“I’d never say diabetes is a blessing,” she says. “I hate diabetes and I find it really tough to find positive things about it. But at the same time the life I have now and the incredible opportunities I’ve had – including speaking at events and the chance to, in my role with Diabetes Australia, help influence health policies with the aim of improving the day-to-day life of people living with diabetes – wouldn’t have happened without it.”
Still, being diagnosed with diabetes is one thing, making advocating for others living with it a big part of your life is another. Renza says that journey began on the day she learned she had diabetes.
Denne historien er fra November-December 2021-utgaven av Diabetic Living Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November-December 2021-utgaven av Diabetic Living Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
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
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.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
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.
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.
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.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
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.
