Raphael Mostafa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year when he was 28. For the last two years, Raphael has supported Walk to Work Day and has raised over $3,500.

On November 20 this year, Raphael got up at 4:30am and with two friends walked 15kms from the Northern Beaches to North Sydney. The trio walked from 5:00am- 7:00am.

“We had to get up that early because there was a heat wave in Sydney. By 8:00am it was 26 degrees,†said Raphael. “From a diabetes management point of view, it made it harder because the heat can play with my levels.â€

“When I got to work, I thought, thank god! It makes you appreciate the finer things in life.â€

While Walk to Work 2015 was officially on Friday November 13, the three friends decided to walk to work the following week due to work commitments.

Raphael said it was great to have the support of his workplace, both by donating and participating in the walk. His work also hosted a healthy breakfast with the money raised going to Diabetes Australia. Raphael now views Walk to Work Day as part of his routine.

“It comes around every year and I just get out of bed and do it! The biggest misconception is that you have to walk all the way to work but you don’t have to. You can catch public transport and get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.â€

Raphael wants people to know that diabetes can affect anyone at any age. Even though type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed at a young age, you can still get it when you are an adult.

“People often ask me, you’ve had type 1 diabetes for only a year?! Don’t you get it when you are a kid? Aren’t you born with it?â€

For Raphael, the diagnosis came like a flick of the switch. His only regret is not going to the doctors earlier. He had the symptoms for about 4-5 weeks without seeing a doctor.

“I had no energy, was drinking litres and litres of water and still feeling dehydrated, I had disturbed sleep because I kept getting up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet and felt fatigued.â€

“I booked an appointment with the gp and my blood glucose level was 26.5. It was scary.â€

Raphael says he is now more conscious of his health. He has always been physically active and now makes sure he has the healthier option when eating out.

He adds that it’s not just the sugar levels to consider but the heart, limbs and circulation. Raphael has also noticed that his cuts and bruises take longer to heal.

There is no family history of diabetes in Raphael’s family. He wishes people knew that type 1 diabetes can happen to anyone at any time.

To support Raphael’s second Walk to Work, visit his everyday hero profile.