kitedoc

52 years on insulin from age 13 (1966 - the year decimal currency was introduced into Oz). Initially on soluble and NPH insulin once daily, thence twice daily. Urine testing, glucose testing only available from about 1980.
Met the first maker of portable, home use glucose meters in Sydney in 1980 ( Stan Clarke, an expat. Brit). Exercise was in walking, swimming, canoeing, bush walking and sailing.( including 7 to 8 day canoe trips through wilderness regions). Queens Scout and Duke of Edinburgh awards earned.
University of Sydney medical school - 1972 to 1979. Hospital work and GP work in city and country, Government medicine, private hospital , Hospice. Was on Canberra Medical Board for 6 years.
I attended many of the ACT Diabetes Association camps for children during my time in Canberra and was on the Association's Committee for a number of years.
I have 5 children: daughter, now 38, son 36, daughter 31 and twins aged 17 (each!).Moved to Adelaide 2009 and retired from General practice in 2014 for family reasons.
Lucky to only have cataracts (i-o lens replacements), L and R carpal tunnel releases and release of some trigger fingers (and happy I do not live in the USA). I started on Animas insulin pump in 2012 as intensive basal-bolus regime ( up to 8 inj daily) was not providing enough control. It is currently too expensive for me to afford regular use of CGM. HBA1Cs have been around 6.5 % (old units) for past 2 years. In Sept 2018 i switched pump s to the Tandem Slim x2 and am most impressed by its performance.
Despite being of normal weight I suffer with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea which if untreated can cause increased problems in hypoglycaemia ( at least my experience). I have also suffer from Depression and restless legs syndrome ( at least according to my long suffering but much applauded heroine wife).
I believe that having interests and hobbies is health giving and inundate myself often in kite flying and kite making. Inclement weather is spent untangling kite lines ( and any other tangles in my life).
Birthday
Oct 15, 1953 (Age: 70)
Location
Adelaide, South Australia
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Medication
novorapid
Exercise
walking to shops, library carrying back pack and arms and leg weights, house work, gardening kite flying on the beach
Likes
Kite making and flying, kayaking, healthcare advocacy
Dislikes
black jelly beans
Occupation
retired

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