I'm grateful to have an amazing doctor that always reminds me of the importance of injecting insulin daily
How long have you been living with diabetes?
I was diagnosed in November 2019 at the age of 20.
How were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed after experiencing the common symptoms - weight loss, frequent urination, joint pain, weakness and excessive thirst (I was drinking up to 10 litres a day).
Did your diagnosis come as a surprise to you?
Yes, because I didn't know that diabetes could affect young people like me. The diagnosis was a shock and I felt very low after it.
How did your diagnosis affect your family or loved ones?
My parents and extended family were shocked because no one knew about diabetes. There was no history of the condition in the family.
What are the most important things that have supported your diabetes care?
Using insulin correctly and monitoring my blood glucose. I'm grateful to have an amazing doctor that always reminds me of the importance of injecting insulin daily.
What has living with diabetes taught you the most?
Living with diabetes gives me the opportunity, strength and power to play this game of life.
What has been your lowest point with diabetes?
When I've been treated differently because of my condition.
What would you like to see change in diabetes over the next 100 years?
I hope that a cure is discovered.
What do you think needs to change to improve the lives of people living with diabetes in your country?
There should be more awareness of diabetes, particularly in rural areas. Insulin should be cheaper so that everyone with diabetes can afford it, and also made available at the primary healthcare level.
What does the centenary of insulin mean to you?
I've very grateful for the discovery because insulin means life to me and everyone with type 1 diabetes.
