Meriem knows what it’s like to be excluded.

Meriem, who was born in Morocco, endured years of bullying at school when she and her family first moved to Hobart. It triggered an eating disorder, a particularly dangerous condition for people with type 1 diabetes.

“There were many factors that led to my eating disorder, including being bullied at school and the huge focus on counting carbs to keep my blood glucose levels under control,” Meriem said.

“Unfortunately people with type 1 diabetes are more vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

“I changed my mindset and saw food as fuel to nourish my body.”

Now a qualified nurse who describes her profession as “rewarding, demanding, and so fulfilling”, Meriem is also a long-distance runner who proudly wears a headscarf to bring awareness to her religion and show that Muslim girls can compete in sport without compromising their beliefs.

It’s time to unite for Meriem and fight for better mental and emotional health support so people with diabetes can live long and live well with hope for the future.

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