In November 2015, Steve Dale from Rockingham in Western Australia became one of the 5,163 Australians who undergo a diabetes-related amputation every year.   

While it was tough to lose his right foot, worse was still to come.  

In 2020, escalating problems on his other foot seemed to be leading towards a second below-the-knee amputation, and life in a wheelchair. Thanks to some excellent healthcare his leg was saved and today he is still enjoying many of the things he loves, including spending time with his two children and getting out and about in his caravan.    

Steve’s leg was saved with a procedure that removed a vein from his left leg and grafted it onto his artery to improve blood supply to his foot.   

He has also undergone a heart bypass and laser surgery to his eyes.   

Steve, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 10, has experienced the impact of diabetes-related complications but has seen first-hand how research is leading to improved treatments and better health outcomes.  

Two million Australians are at risk of diabetes-related complications in the next two decades. It’s time to unite to ensure Steve and others experiencing, or at risk of, diabetes-related complications have access to timely treatment, and that investment in research prevents complications in the future.

Click the Unite in the fight for change image below to visit the campaign page.