Media Release

Fiona Rocke: Diabetes detection saves lives
World Diabetes Day 2006 - 14 November 2006

The 14th of November will be the 16th annual World Diabetes Day, a day established to coordinate diabetes advocacy across the world.

Half a million Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes and it is estimated that just as many others have the disease but do not know it.

Fiona Rocke, West Brunswick resident, music teacher and recently diagnosed diabetic, knows the consequences of undiagnosed diabetes and the emotional strain of diagnosis, only too well.

A year ago, Fiona's former partner, Phil, left work feeling unwell. This was not unusual because he frequently visited the doctor with the flu and sinus problems.

A few days later, Phil was found dead in his home from Ketoacidosis, a condition that occurs in sufferers of type 1 diabetes.

Only two months ago Fiona was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

"I thought I had a virus, but I just wasn't getting any better.

"It had crossed my mind that I might have diabetes, but I didn't want to face it" she said.

Fiona asked her doctor to test her for diabetes and her worst fears were immediately confirmed.

"I think I had diabetes for six to twelve months before I was diagnosed, but I was in denial.

"I was confused, angry and grieving for my old life and for Phil... I never realised how complex my feelings would become".

Two months after diagnosis Fiona, an outpatient at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and is coming to terms with being a diabetic.

"I phone the diabetes educators at the Royal Melbourne nearly every day, the support they have provided me has been just fantastic.

"Diabetes has changed my life.

"I must eat three meals a day at regular times. I must exercise everyday. I have to inject insulin four times a day. I must watch my stress levels. I can't leave the house without my jellybeans and a low GI carb.

"I must also visit my dietician, endocrinologist, podiatrist and ophthalmologist regularly. I have accepted that I will always have to be under medical care.

"I urge everybody to have a blood glucose test. If Phil had been tested for diabetes he would be alive today" said Fiona.

Diabetes can be a debilitating condition, but early detection and appropriate treatment means it doesn't have to be.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is holding a World Diabetes Day Seminar focussing on accessing different services for diabetes on 14 November.
The seminar runs from 9.30am to 2.30pm and features presentations from diabetes researchers, educators, nutritionists and physiotherapists. Entry is $10, to book phone (03) 9329 7199