Michelle Woodbury was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 47. She had no history of diabetes in the family, didn’t smoke and was fit and active. At the time of diagnosis, Michelle was in training for the 2011 Brisbane Ride to Concur Cancer. The diagnosis came as a shock and Michelle needed to make some significant adjustments. Now four years on, Michelle is determined not to let diabetes rule her life.

I have diabetes and I live with it, I don’t let it control my life, said Michelle.

People need to be aware that diabetes isn’t a death sentence, you just need to manage it and you can live with it.

Recently Michelle got married and traded her medical bracelet for a diabetes tattoo designed and created by tattoo artist Robbie Eyre.

I’ve had a really good response from people. Lots of people have said it’s a smart idea and is what tattoos are for, said Michelle.

Michelle initially started on insulin injections and then moved to a pump. When she started a new job in the mines in Mt Isa, she sat the management team down and showed them how her pump works.

I explained that my medication is attached to me 24/7 and there were no problems with me going underground, said Michelle. I also showed them how to treat hypoglycaemia and use Glucagon.

Michelle connects with her endocrinologist via telehealth, and even though Mt Isa is a regional area, she feels well supported by her healthcare team.