It's National Diabetes Week, and in celebration we look back to March when Wishlist funded more than $8 thousand towards glucose monitoring equipment for families in Gympie and surrounding areas.

Thanks to the Children’s Hospital Foundation Woolworths Wall Token Appeal, the equipment can help families adjust to their new lifestyle after their child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

The life-saving equipment— four Dexcom G5 mobile receivers—works alongside a small sensor that sits just under the skin to continually monitor glucose and sends alerts when levels are dangerous.

As well as reducing the need for regular finger-prick testing, the
receiver makes it easier for children with Type 1 Diabetes, and their families,
to manage the daily highs and lows that are synonymous with the serious
disease.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Diabetes Educator Claire Hyde said the funding of this equipment is a great thing for children in Gympie and surrounding districts.

“The funding has allowed us to purchase the Dexcom Receivers to lend newly diagnosed families," Ms Hyde said.

"Currently, the sensors are government-funded, but the receivers, which cost around $650, are not."

Local mum, Charlotte Miln, said their loaned Dexcom G5 Mobile Receiver
has helped bring ‘normality’ to their lives while their newly diagnosed son
Oscar, travels through the ‘honeymoon period’ of his Type 1 Diabetes diagnoses.

“By learning to read, understand and interpret the arrows on the receiver, we continue to work through the rise and very big falls of his blood glucose levels," she said. 

“It has given us a chance to act accordingly to his needs and reduced the amount of hypos.

"I know for a fact that he would be having many hypos in a day if we did not have the receiver, we would be lost without it.

“If not for the receiver, we would be only going on how he is feeling at the time by doing lots of finger-prick tests and observing his behaviour, which is no easy task as Oscar also has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“By loaning the receiver, Oscar has gained much confidence and has been engaging in regular everyday activities that any 14-year-old boy likes to do -  For him especially, his Taekwondo training which he loves.

“I can’t thank you enough."

In addition to the Dexcom Receivers, the foundation has funded an Insulin Pump and has helped 15 kids to attend ‘Camp Diabetes’.

Camp Diabetes allows children with type 1 diabetes to meet and share their
experiences with other children who are living with the same condition, while
also improving their skills and knowledge in diabetes management.

A
further 15 camp places have been generously funded by the Noosa Lions Club.