Sebastian Harris’ discovery that he had type 1 diabetes as a teenager wasn’t completely unexpected—his younger brother had already been diagnosed. Although it took time to adjust, Sebastian figured he’d be OK. He saw being co-host of the Life on the Level podcast as a great opportunity to share his experience, letting others with diabetes know that they’re not alone and can still live a good life.  

A rare find  

While helping his mum sew buttons on a shirt, Sebastian accidentally pricked his finger. Curious, they tested it with his brother’s blood glucose meter.  

“When I saw a reading of 14.5, I was pretty sure I had diabetes,” Sebastian says. “I wasn’t sick or hospitalised—it was a miraculous find. No one wishes for T1D, but I thought, ‘this is something I can manage.’” 

Living fully with T1D  

“I’m grateful to David, my diabetes educator at Gold Coast University Hospital. He helped me understand I wouldn’t be perfect, but I’d do well. That truth allows me to live life while managing diabetes.”  

And live life Sebastian does—albeit with more awareness and preparation than before. He is a Research Associate and Honours student at UNE, pursuing his passion for ancient and medieval coinage and archaeology.  

“For such seemingly small and common items, coins have so much detail on their two ‘faces’ that we can use them to paint a picture of ancient cultures and ask, ‘Who held this coin before me?’”  

Beyond research, Sebastian enjoys photography, travelling, and time with his family and friends. He is always seeking the next chance to learn, explore, and understand.  

Sharing the human side of diabetes 

Sebastian reached out to Diabetes Australia to help other young people who have been recently diagnosed. He became an ambassador and jumped at the chance to co-host Life on the Level with Isabella Magee.  

“My passion is the human side. We live with diabetes and do things to survive, but I wanted to hear about what people with diabetes feel,” Sebastian says.  

Embracing life’s possibilities 

In the first season, Isabella and Sebastian discussed topics related to diabetes, often surprising each other with differing perspectives. In the next season, they began including others’ voices.  

“Involving other people showed how we share many similar experiences, like burnout or feelings of loneliness,” Sebastian says. “But I hope listeners also see what’s possible. Diabetes has opened doors I never expected: conferences, travel and this podcast! 

“Life on the level is built on the idea that we may be dependent on our blood glucose levels, but our identity and fulfilment go beyond that. The podcast highlights ways people use diabetes as their strength. And we may never have heard their amazing stories without this platform.”  

Many more perspectives to explore 

Sebastian, a deep thinker, says recording an episode often stays with him. “I love reflecting on the conversation or researching it further. It’s changed my perspective at times.” 

“One day, I’d love to bring my brother, one of the strongest people I know, onto the podcast. I also want a one-on-one with another bloke about diabetes, and to explore research on managing diabetes, including topics like anxiety.”