The Bundaberg Region’s smallest superheroes were out in force at Flip Out Bundaberg on Saturday – not fighting crime but learning how to deal with type 1 diabetes at the Diabuddies Day.
Diabuddies Days are activities designed by Diabetes Queensland to support families and carers of children who have type 1 diabetes.
The day was organised with the help of Flip Out’s Taylor Hardie who said, after she grew up with a friend who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, she was familiar with the disease.
Taylor said it was important for people with diabetes, especially children, to know how to control the condition and it was great to hold the event locally.
“It is a good program Diabuddies, and it’s great so many families have come together and are able to meet each other for support,” Taylor said.
“There are a variety of children here with type 1 diabetes and some have pumps and others have insulin so it’s nice they get to meet others who are the same as them.
“When I grew up my best friend was diagnosed and she was really sick at the start and I remember sitting at the hospital with her, so this sort of touches home for me and I learnt a lot about diabetes as a young kid and think it’s good for everyone to have a bit of knowledge about it.”
Families travelled to the Bundaberg Region for Diabuddies Day
Flip Out manager Dee McLaren said 21 families had registered for the Diabuddies Day and it had been educational all round.
She said it was nice that the children all had a chance to share their stories with each other.
Diabetes Queensland event coordinator Karen Bucholz said the response from families had been overwhelming, with some travelling from Gladstone and Hervey Bay to attend the day.
“This event is for all the families in the area and surrounding areas,” Karen said.
“It’s about providing connections for these families and letting them know about some of the opportunities for them in their region also.
“There is a mix of ages here today, from three years right through to 15-year-olds.”
Karen said type 1 diabetes was a condition people were born with, but it may not be diagnosed until later in life.
“I can’t say it’s more common now, but there is definitely more awareness around and days like this help with that,” Karen said.
What is type 1 diabetes
According to Diabetes Queensland, type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood but can occur at any age.
In type 1 diabetes the body's own immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin.
As the body needs insulin to survive, people with type 1 diabetes must replace this insulin every day.
At present, insulin can only be given by injections or through a pump. Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 10 per cent of people with diabetes.
Diabuddies Day at Flip Out Bundaberg wasn’t just about having fun on trampolines.
It also included a range of fun social activities, as well as education and emotional support to increase confidence, and connections with the families of type 1 diabetic children.
For more information about Diabuddies Day in the future phone 1800 177 055.
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