Brisbane father of two, Robert Nettleton appreciates the significance of the discovery of insulin 100 years ago. Insulin saved his grandfathers’ eyesight; it has also given him and his eight-year old son a life that wouldn’t have been possible without the medical breakthrough.

“My grandfather had type 2 diabetes, insulin gave him a few extra years of life and enabled him to see and meet grandchildren and great grandchildren.  I was diagnosed with type 1 and without insulin I wouldn’t have my family. Diabetes was a death sentence before insulin was discovered, so I don’t think we really appreciate the profound impact its creation has had on generations and generations of people with diabetes to live life and to have families.”

Robert was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13, fast forward to being a father and it was a case of history repeating when his eight-year old son Ryan was also diagnosed with type 1.

“Ryan was three when he was diagnosed and the advancement in treatment and technology has made a big difference to his experience. His school has been incredibly supportive, we have an annual meeting with staff to talk about changes in his management plan.”

While managing diabetes for a nine-year-old has its challenges it hasn’t stopped Ryan from being selected to the school swim squad or from playing soccer.

“People with diabetes are resilient, I hope that is instilled in Ryan. The ability to overcome obstacles that are put in front of him is really important,” says Robert.

It was a different story when Robert was diagnosed as a 13-year-old.

“I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and at that time I was the only person with diabetes at school. It was a real shock having to deal with injections with syringes.  School was a pretty wild ride for a few years. Because I was diagnosed at 13 it was in that weird space where schools are trying to make you as autonomous as possible. I never relied on the school for support in the way my son does.”

Robert says the advancement from syringes to pumps has been life changing for him and Ryan.

“Now diabetes can work in with my lifestyle. I look at my son and there is nothing any other child can do that he can’t do, eat or drink. We just have to be conscious of what he is doing.”

Robert has juggled raising two young boys, working full time while completing three university degrees. An accomplishment which he hopes will inspire other people with diabetes to live life to the fullest.

The condition has made him grow up quicker.

“I never went through that phase of drinking heavily and partying, which was handy for my friends as I was always the designated driver. I always weighed up the risks, and it just wasn’t worth it.”

Robert says donating to fund research is the only way to find a cure. “My son and I are incredibly blessed having the resources to be able to afford pumps and sensors, there are a lot of people who can’t afford these life changing technologies. If donations can go towards research and bringing forward treatments and cures, then they are helping to change the lives of millions of people around the world. A small donation can make a big difference.”