Lynbrook resident Kerry Lambert was only 20 years old when she had to start injecting insulin.
At the time, Kerry was pregnant with her first child, and the doctors initially believed she had gestational diabetes.
However, one year after delivery, it was clear that Kerry required insulin for the rest of her life to manage her type one diabetes.
Ms Lambert, now 71, was awarded with Diabetes Victoria’s Kellion Victory Medal at the Lynbrook Aged Care on Thursday, 15 February, for having lived with the disease for 50 years.
The medal honours the lives of people who have lived with diabetes for many decades.
Kerry remembers her initial difficulty in coming to terms with her diagnosis.
“I was shocked as I had never heard of diabetes before,” she says.
“In the beginning I found it very difficult as other people used to be wary of me and back away from me once they found out I had type 1 diabetes; they were unsure what it was or if it was contagious.”
Today, diabetes is more widely understood, and Kerry acknowledges that people are far more educated and accepting of it.
“Diabetes is not the end of the world. It can be a shock when you are first diagnosed, but there are ways you can manage and incorporate diabetes into your lifestyle. Find yourself a good doctor who can help you through the journey,” she said.
Kerry is particularly grateful for the support of her own diabetes specialist, Dr Serge Tang-Fui, whose kindness has helped her to accept her diagnosis.
Daughter Bettina is another great source of support. “She can tell when my glucose levels are too low and immediately jumps into action and gets me food and a drink to ensure they get up again”.
“I would not have made it to 50 years with diabetes if it were not for her compassion, care and laughter.”
Diabetes Victoria CEO Craig Bennett said although there is no cure yet for type one diabetes, recent innovations have improved life expectancy and quality of life immensely.
“It is a remarkable achievement to have lived with diabetes for so many decades and I congratulate all of our recipients for this outstanding accomplishment.
“They all deserve our utmost respect and admiration.”
The medal was named in honour of the late Mr Claude Kellion AM, a Sydney businessman who established a foundation to promote diabetes research after his son died aged 38 from diabetes complications.
More than 29,000 people in Victoria are living with type one diabetes.
