Living with type 1 diabetes for 75 years hasn’t stopped Peter Eaton from enjoying his life to the fullest. Peter was diagnosed at age 7, in 1946, despite having no family history of diabetes (not now nor then). His local doctor was quick to identify the tell-tale symptoms of insatiable thirst and fatigue; the following week, Peter was sent off to Sydney for further tests. Young Peter found this six-month hospital stay quite enjoyable as he “had run of the place.”

Diabetes management, testing, and advice has changed drastically over Peter’s lifetime. “Back then it was metal and glass syringes, 4-5 times larger than the ones we have now. [The syringes] had to last weeks or months and were hard to come by,” Peter explained. One time, he even explored the undergrounds of the hospital, where he came across a man sharpening one of the needles, “it was quite the sight!” 

In 2004, Peter became one of the first of 200 Australians to start insulin pump therapy, which “definitely made life a lot easier.” Peter can access his next pump in two years’ time, and he is excited to see how the technology has improved further. 

Aside from medical breakthroughs, Peter’s greatest support has come from his loved ones. “My mother took very good care of me, making sure I didn’t touch anything sweet.” Growing up in the dairy town of Milton, Peter also got a lot of ‘incidental exercise’ exploring the family farm. After school, he would ride his pushbike 4-5 miles before graduating to a small motorbike. 

Peter has stayed active his whole life; these days, he enjoys visiting the gym and playing golf. For someone who didn’t think he’d make it past 20, Peter says “life has been rather busy.” His proudest moments include completing a 5-year apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner, then starting his own business which he ran for 25 years. 

Another fulfilling moment was meeting his sweetheart Bernie, while she was holidaying at Lake Burrill. The pair corresponded for a year before marrying in 1962. They then settled in Melbourne and started their own family. Life became ‘much more organised’ after meeting Bernie, whom Peter credits for keeping him on track and preventing most of the complications that come with diabetes. The couple now have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. 

They now reside in Ballarat, where their second son works as a surgeon.