The Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group (MVCDG) has been supporting locals suffering from the chronic condition since 2010, but recently they shifted their attention to adults with Type 1 diabetes.
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The group has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on aiding local children but the government recently changed their funding to better support people under the age of 18 who suffer from the condition.
This alteration allowed for the MVCDG to begin supporting 22 local adults, including Hailey Robinson and Brendan Unterrheiner, who suffer from Type 1 diabetes.
The MVCDG has provided the locals with more than $18,000 worth of equipment since May with the majority of the costs coming in the form of Freestyle Libre Glucose Monitors.
The sensors, which are simply placed on the shoulder, read blood sugar levels and track the level over a period of time.
The new technology costs $100 a fortnight but it prevents the need for the Type 1 diabetic to test their blood by pricking their finger, which has drastically changed the recipients lives for the better.
“It has made my life as a Type 1 diabetic easier, with this monitor I have gone from up to a dozen finger pricks per day to a simple scan,” Mr Unterrheiner told the Argus.
“Due to its simplicity, I am more inclined to check my sugar levels on a regular basis.”
The sensor also makes it safer for the Type 1 diabetics, as people around them can quickly check the reading.
“My wife also likes that she can scan my arm at anytime to see how my blood sugar levels are going,” Mr Unterrheiner said.
“There’s been times when they are low and I am a bit out of it and she can quickly check and find the problem.”
The sensor is an expensive luxury which Mrs Robinson and Mr Unterrheiner, who both have families, wouldn’t be able to afford without the support of the MVCDG.
“I have two daughters and there’s no way I could afford the sensor on top of the other costs associated with being a Type 1 diabetic,” Mrs Robinson said.
“It’s nearly impossible to do regular checks when I am working but with the sensor I can check with ease and in a timely manner.”
The two locals, who have lived in Kempsey for the majority of their lives, are very appreciate of the support the MVCDG and the community has provided them with.
“It has been amazing to receive the support and I can’t thank the group and the Kempsey community enough,” Mrs Robinson said.
The MVCDG will be raising funds to further support the locals suffering from Type 1 diabetes when they hold their annual party on November 24.
Tickets are available for the dinner, which will be held at St Paul’s College. Raffles and items will be auctioned off on the night to raise funds for the MVCDG cause.
MVCDG committee member Ellise Aquilina is grateful she lives in a community which truly cares for others.
“I thank the community for their support, it’s amazing being able to help people but we couldn’t do it without the ongoing generosity of the people,” Ellise
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