Sign our Petition: Support Research to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes
Over just two weeks, more than 600 JDRF supporters signed this petition to promote increased understanding and support for medical research into type 1 diabetes. The message to government, the public and corporate supporters was clear – there is a desperate need for a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Education and prevention are the themes chosen for the year’s big day for diabetes – World Diabetes Day on November 14.
It is time to remind Australia that type 1 diabetes is not preventable – yet. There is no clearly identifiable cause of type 1 diabetes, so there is no known way to prevent it. However, research organisations like JDRF are a lot closer than ever, with human trials of a vaccine taking place right here in Australia.
There are known lifestyle factors associated with type 2 diabetes and the obesity epidemic dominates the media. Understandably, people with type 1 diabetes – which no amount of exercise will cure – are inclined to keep their condition quiet. This is a missed opportunity to educate the community about the differences.
The Inconvenient Truth about Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, it is not caused by obesity or junk food
- Insulin is not a cure, but without it those with type 1 diabetes would not survive
- Investment in medical research by the community, government and businesses has delivered big improvements in health for people with type 1 diabetes
- Research organisations like JDRF are making real progress towards preventing new cases of type 1 diabetes while also preventing health complications in those who already have the disease
Sign our petition to promote increased understanding and support for medical research into type 1 diabetes. Help our community, government and corporate supporters understand that we desperately need a cure.
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rebecca mcskimming, port victoria, sa, australia
sanah, sydney, NSW, australia
anything that will help me i have all the complications from my diabetes & only 27yrs
xxxxxxxx, Morwell, Victoria, Australia
xxxxxxxx, bunbury, W.A., Australia
Our daughter has now had type 1 for 4 yrs and is now 15. As she commences her next journey thru yr11 and 12 to do her TER i wish i could tell her that after a heavy load of study for the night she could just go to sleep and not have to think about hypo's happening and wake up fresh in the morning, as her school mates would!
M. Stevenson, Perth, WA, Australia
John, Perth, WA, Australia
Suzanne Davis, Perth, WA, Australia
Anything that will help my Daughter she is 8 and half years old and had type 1 for 18months..
jodie brooker, perth, wa, australia
Megan Davies, Gosnells, Wa, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Perth, wa, Australia
Children with type 1 diabetes don't get use to having so many needles and fingers pricks. But they learn to endure it without complaint Because they know it is keeping them alive. They are all so brave!!!!!! There is so much ignorance surrounding Type one. I often feel people think it is my fault my 8yr old has JD, assuming she has an unhealthy diet. Teachers especially need to understand the seriousness of this condition. Every year we go through the same thing. They seem to think she should be able look after herself.
Tracy Horner, Leneva, VIC, Australia
Robert Timms, Narre Warren South, Victoria, Australia
Comments in the media associate diabetes as such as a 'thing' you get if you are lazy, overweight, and eat the 'wrong' foods. every part of that sentence is absolutely wrong. Many people, myself included, who have exercised and eaten the right foods at the correct times and doses and have (apparently) no genetic background suggesting diabetes can still get this disease. Many of the consequences ...after 40yrs... are perhaps the most debilitating and worrying. I am past the age of really worrying but I hope a 'cure' can be soon found to save others. In reality it is really only one of so many diseases that need to be cured, managed, or treated.
Regards
Bob Timms
roberttimms@goldenit.net.au
Hayley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
My 8 yr old Daughter has had Diabetes diagnosed 3 months ago.Please help find a cure to type 1 Diabetes .
xxxxxxxx, kyneton, victoria, austra;ia
Sharon Googe, Wolvi, Q, Australia
My twin boys both have Type 1 Diabetes. Please help find a cure to rid them of this terrible disease. They both have 5 needles a day to stay alive.
sharren treloar, dimboola, victoria, australia
my daughter was diagnosed 1 year ago with type 1. before that we knew very little as did our friends.we have all been learning together and still are. the big hurdle was going back to school. kids that have no understanding can be very mean.
Kuppuswami, Chennai.Madras, Tamilnad, INDIA
I am interested in Clinical Research in Type1 Diabetes Mellitus
Amy Gluyas, melbourne, victoria, Australia
Great idea, not enough awareness and education is given on Type 1 diabetes.. We hear all about cancer and Type 2 diabetes and many other diseases but never type one... My daughter got diagnosed almost 5 years ago she turns 10 next week... She is the fourth generation(one in each generation to have got 'type1') in my family to have 'Type 1 Diabetes'.. I think if there was more education and awareness on this illness people would have a better understanding and not be so ignorant and realise the seriousness surrounding this terrible disease...
Nadine Brown, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Gladstone, QLD, Australia
Meri Smith, Sydney, NSW, Australia
This is a disease that doesn't show on the outside but is affecting so many of our young people
xxxxxxxx, Leopold, Victoria, Australia
Dianne McCarthy, Mebourne, Victoria, Australia
sharon barnes, LONG JETTY, nsw, australia
Maria, Perth, WA, Australia
Anna Mangham, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Vicki Orlandini, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
There are many hideous diseases inflicting humanity, and it's all relative I guess, but I am still amazed at the general public and lack of understanding of Diabetes 1. My son was diagnosed at the age of 8, is now 15 and his grandmother said to me recently "but won't he grow out of it or be able to take a tablet when he is older?" There lays my frustration. Not for sympathy, but awareness. I am always telling Darcy "diabetes is a condition, not an illness" so he doesn't dwell on the future and potential health problems he may encounter. If only I could donate him my pancreas, each day I would joyfully stab myself numerous times, finding peace in the knowledge he would never need to again.
MURRAY WEBB, GLENORCHY, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
I have Type 2 Diabetes,(diagnosed in January 2004) and I support the research for both type 1 & type 2, education & awareness in the community is of great importance. As more people are being diagnosed with type 2.
xxxxxxxx, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Adelaide, SA, Aus
i have had diabetse since iwas two. i now know a two year old with it & it sucks!!!!! i hope that this gets us a bit colser to findind the anwers!!! :-)
Tania Clay, Mandurah, WA, Australia
The community needs to understand the differences between the two types. It is frustrating when the media coverage of type 2 is spoken about as 'DIABETES', not highlghting the the facts about type 1. The general public think they are both the same, one is just worse than the other.
xxxxxxxx, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
xxxxxxxx, melbourne, vic, australia
jodie fry, PORT AUGUSTA, SA, Australia
education on the difference of t1 &t2 and awareness of symptoms
Leanne, Mosman, Australia, NSW, Australia
soon: I have every faith.
jo crosby, Melbourne, VIC, australia
SANDRA, penrith, nsw, australia
my 3 year old has had diabetes for 2 years and even though it seems that he is a healthy normal child if he doesn't have his daily injections he will die. We need to find a cure in this lifetime
xxxxxxxx, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
I am T1 and would love for the general public to understand the difference between T1 & T2!
Susan Greentree, Morisset, N.S.W., Australia
Linda Healey, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Harold Smith, Devonport, Tasmania, Australia
After losing our 19 year old Grandson to Type 1 diabetes, we are keen to see that others don't experience the pain that we have over the past year.
John Munchenberg, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Carli Harris, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Melbourne, VICTORIA, Australia
sharlene sparkes, Sydney, NSW, Australia
My 9 year old daughter has had type1 for 3 years she is so brave. I really wish the govt would pay for a massive education program to tell people the difference between t1 & t2 so she never has to hear "oh you must eat a lot of lollies"
xxxxxxxx, melbourne, VIC, Australia
I have lived with diabetes for over 30 years and lost a family member to hypoglycaemic unawareness. Please help prevent further tragedies such as this.
Renee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Melissa O\'Brien, Melbourne, Vic , Australia
My 11 year old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes less than a year ago. We still struggle with all the changes this means to his and our lives. Let's find a cure.
xxxxxxxx, Sydney, NSW, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Ashley Wilson, Thornton, NSW, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Salman Shami, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hannah Heidke, Gladstone, QLD, Australia
Naomi Farrugia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Julie Wiseman, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
help find a cure for our kids, help them to grow to be normal health adults
Semone Haines, Caloundra, QLD, Australia
I have had Type 1 diabetes for 16 years, i need some help to purchase a insulin pump. i'm sick of being a pincushion & treated like a junkie by society which never assumes i'm a unwell or diabetic only see's a skinny junkie!
xxxxxxxx, Sydney, NSW, Australia
I am a type 1 Diabetic socially having to inject 5 times a day can be difficult & managing hypo the biggest challenge can also be very embarassing lets find a cure soon.
xxxxxxxx, Canberra, ACT, Australia
carrie-anne lucas, Perth, WA, Australia
Michael Doucas, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Mrs M Rathakrishnan, Sydney, ,
Tanya Crombie, Redcliffe, QLD, Australia
One of my good friends found out her beautiful 6 yr old daughter had type 1 Diabetes and I decided to help support them on there journey. Even if you dont suffer from it directly it still has a major impact on you when someone close does and you cant wave that magic wand to make them all better. So hoping to stomp all over this desease by raising funds and just be there for strength when its needed. We all can make a difference.
Rachel Manning, adeliade, SA, AUStralia
Alison Bova, Miranda, NSW, Australia
Terese Cousar, brisbane, QLD, Australia
Sarah Brooke, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Matt Betts, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Frank, Rome, Lazio, Italy
Faye ratten, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Everyone keep up the good work with raising funds, we will find a cure, and all you type 1's look after yourselves so when the cure comes you will be ready. Thanks to all the understanding siblings,parents etc.
Sharon Templeman, Brisbane, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Kristy Sinteur, Kellyville, NSW, Australia
Just past my 17yr anniversary, diagnosed at 14. People don't understand how impacts everything in your daily life to the major things like pregnancy. More focus is needed on Type 1, just because we look healthy and manage our disease well, doesn't mean we don't need the support, the research, the funding or for the general population to understand more about it - particularly how it is different to Type 2, which is a constant negative in the media.
Alyson Dyer, Sydney, NSW, Australia
My son was diagnosed 4 years ago at age 9 and we are still trying very hard to get his levels correct especially whilst going through puberty!!!! Oh how a cure would be wonderful.
Tara-Louise, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
i've had diabetes 19 years, i was 10 when i was diagnosed. just after i was diagnosed i was raising money for the walk for the cure, some one actually said to me " i don't suport diabetes charaties, it's not like it's hard to live with".
THE IGNORANCE MUST BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachelle Stone, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
My mother and my son both have type 1 Diabetes.
Peter Whitten, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
Both my wife and 8 year old daughter have Type 1 diabetes. A cure would be a blessing for all of us. All the publicity seems to be around Type 2, with Type 1 often overlooked. It's time that changed.
Paul Barber, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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We have been trying for over 30 years (as DYF, JDFA/JDRF) to overcome the Type 11 lifestyle attitude . Over these 30 + years we have asked DA to use general (not blaming) slogans for Diabetes Week like "We're fighting diabetes" – JDRF could then say "We're fighting Type 1 diabetes, the auto-immune disease" and add tother relevant messages. We need action NOW about Type 1.
We also need free pumps for all people with Type 1 diabetes NOW.
As I am a type-1 diabetic living with the condition for 47 years, I hope that there is a real desire to find a cure even though I appreciate the better management techniques that have made my life a little easier. I don't expect to find a cure in my lifetime but I wish for it to benefit the many newly diagnosed diabetics in the future.
I agree Kerrie, our children are real heroes. My thoughts to you and your family in learning and dealing with this condition. All the best.
We know (JDRF) is doing a great job finding the cure…..more power and good luck to your untiring work and research.
A cure will come eventually we all must keep on hoping it will probably not come in my time as I have had Type 1 diabetes for 66 years but I am hopefull> So all type 1 diabetics do the right thing eat the right foods and you will all live a long life like I have and make sure you enjot yourself as well. Do as I do and don`t worry about having type 1 diabetes and you will live a long time like I have those that worry have problems those that don`t worry live a long life like any other person that does not have diabetes.
From Wally Mulgrave
What do you say to someone who turns around and says "At least you can do something about it"
Helen it would be nice if we had as much hide as this person that made the comment. If only we could say please come and spend a week in my life. Let them wear the insulin pump, change the canulas 8 BG's a day or more. Also follow the exact same diet. They would be dead after 2 days. I put money on it. Unless you live it you have know idea. I remember a comment back when I was diagnosed at 11. My grandpa said they will have a cure soon. Don't worry or stress. I have now had it for 29 years. He know has Type 2 and thinks that is the worst thing. He has know idea.. Also I have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. We need a cure since living with the 2 my life has been hell. Thanks for reading. xx
Our 8 year old son was diagnosed type 1 on sept 4th of this year, i can feel what your going through just by reading your words. Keep going and i will follow too. We CAN be bigger than this disease Kerrie.
Love Kate (Mum of Beautiful Ben)
thank you
Katie (mum of newly diagnosed Ben age 8 years)
You are all very brave and I admire your tenacity. We will find a cure.We will never give up!!
You are all very courageous and I hope together we can work as a community to better combat this disease.
I admire your positivity Wally, thank you. It's also nice to hear from someone who has lived with it for so long and still looks on the bright side!
My daughter Rylee was diagnosed 3 years ago at the age of 9 months. She goes to school next year for the first time which opens up new concerns for me, but maybe it will just be okay.
Thank you xx
I've been a juvenile diabetic for 39 years, and I have always been frustrated by the many misconceptions people have about it. I would sign your petition, but I live in the US. I wish we had more education about the difference between type 1 and 2 here also. Thanks for all the work you are doing to spread the word!
A cure would be many diabetic childrens' dream. Keep on researching!
I agree with both Kerrie Susan and Kate. My son Ben was diagnosed 3 days before last Christmas. Its hard to believe it hasnt been a year yet. He seems to have had sooo many injections it feels like years. All this without a word of complaint. They are definatly heroes. Bev
I would swap places in a split second with my son to take away everything he goes through. These children/adults are amazing. This is a great way for diabetes education to the public about the differences of type 1 and 2 to be known and understood. I sometimes get tired of explaining to people that my son couldn't have avoided this through a better lifestyle and diet. He is an outdoor, sports mad child who loves being active and always eats well. I DO however always point out the differences to people who don't know as it is important that they too understand and have an admiration for people with type 1 diabetes and the constant monitoring that is required. I believe there will be a cure one day and I hope that day is very soon. Imagine the tears of joy around the world.
i have had diabetes for 14 years. i now know a two with it and it's really hard!!! i really hope that one we can prevent other kids doind what i and my little mate have to do!!!!!! this is a great idea, good luck!!
Hi Wally,
Continuing to tell my son, aged 15, that Diabetes 1 is a condition, not an illness reflects your attitude and I truly believe it's true. Get on with stuff, be positive as the mind is a powerful tool if used to its full potential.
Thanx for your words of encouragement.
Vicki.
YES..a cure is what is needed…come on scientists it is the year 2010….These kids need not suffer any more than they are already…the complications are there whether or not they look after themsleves correctly and the government should be doing more in helping the kids…too! My daughter was diagnosed Sept '08 and she is 8 years old…she is a very lovely girl who copes so well and wants tog row up learning and teaching others about it and looking at being a researcher herself…! Good luck everyone!!