One of Australia’s brightest stars is spearheading a newly formed group to amplify the voices of people living with diabetes.

Australian sprint champion Lachlan Kennedy, who lives with type 1 diabetes, is an ambassador with the Blue Circle Collective, a group of Australians living with diabetes throughout the nation, launched by Diabetes Australia.

Lachie broke the 10-second barrier in the 100m sprint twice at the recent Australian championships in Sydney, becoming the fastest man in Australia. Just 24 hours after running 9.96 seconds in the heats, despite a malfunctioning insulin pump and high glucose levels, Lachie clocked the same time in the final the next day.

He is aiming to break Patrick Johnson’s national record of 9.93 seconds this year and also join the ranks of elite athletes who have run 9.8 seconds.

“I’ve got more in the tank,” Lachie said. “The sky is the limit.”

This week, Lachie took time out of his busy schedule before he leaves for overseas to continue competing and prepare for the Commonwealth Games, to shine a light on the voices of people living with diabetes. Diabetes Australia’s Blue Circle Collective is working to ensure that lived experience of diabetes shapes the future of diabetes policy, care, and awareness in Australia.

The Blue Circle Collective brings together Ambassadors, Advocates and Advisers from around Australia who will share their perspectives of living with diabetes, raise awareness and help drive meaningful change in how diabetes is understood, supported and addressed.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the initiative places people living with diabetes at the centre of national conversations about the condition.

“People who live with diabetes every day must help shape, at every level, the decisions that affect their lives,” Ms Cain said.

“The Blue Circle Collective is about elevating real voices and real experiences so that policy makers, health leaders and the wider community better understand both the challenges and the possibilities of living well with diabetes.

“It’s a growing circle of changemakers who are united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for the millions of Australians affected by diabetes.”

Ms Cain said representatives of the Blue Circle Collective will be the heartbeat of ongoing advocacy and community engagement to support important initiatives to address the increasing impact of diabetes on Australians and accelerate practical solutions and long-term policy.

Lachie is determined to raise awareness about diabetes. This determination underlines what thousands of Australians living with diabetes face every day: the unrelenting, often invisible work it takes to stay well.

“I don’t make a big deal out of my diabetes but I’m aware some people living with type 1 diabetes don’t have access to insulin pumps. My glucose monitor and insulin pump help me to have healthy glucose levels, and there are rarely any issues,” said Lachie.

“Whatever happens, wherever I am, I still have to manage my diabetes. It’s an extra layer of daily decisions in my life and I’m grateful that I have the diabetes technology that I need. I want the same for every Australian living with type 1 diabetes.”

Lachie believes that living with type 1 diabetes has shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.

“I think I live a healthier lifestyle than I would have done if I hadn’t developed type 1 diabetes,” Lachie said.

“It forces you to be aware, to think about your body, to be disciplined. That definitely helps on and off the track.”

Ms Cain said Lachie’s success is a reminder of the strength and resilience within the diabetes community.

“Lachlan Kennedy is evidence that people with type 1 diabetes can do anything,” Ms Cain said.

“Lachie isn’t just an athlete. He’s a brave and resilient champion in every sense of the word.”

Ms Cain said the Blue Circle Collective reflects Diabetes Australia’s commitment to ensuring the voices of people living with diabetes are heard, respected, and central to shaping the nation’s response to one of its most urgent health challenges.

To share your interest and learn more about the Blue Circle Collective, please email [email protected]. Visit Blue Circle Collective.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. We are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis, working in collaboration with people with lived experience, member organisations, peak bodies, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community. Our work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services, as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. We advocate for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.