PORT Macquarie resident Pete Bain has received the Kellion Victory Medal for living with type-1 diabetes for 60 years.
Mr Bain, 76, lives with his wife of 54 years, and was diagnosed in 1965 while completing his Year 11 exams in South Africa.
He said diabetes has never stopped him living an active life.
“I don’t think that diabetes has prevented me from doing anything that I have set my heart on achieving.”
Pete spent decades working in marketing, before running a service station and later a commercial video games business.
He also completed more than 100 open-water scuba dives in his 40s.
These days he volunteers in the community and operates a small handyman service.
Mr Bain volunteers with Sailability and crews on the yacht Enticer.
He said advances in treatment have made daily management easier.
“Medicine and medical devices have made it a breeze to monitor glucose levels,” he said.
“I check my glucose levels regularly to ensure that I remain within prescribed margins.
“I am proud that I have achieved 60 years without complications.
“I have been lucky with medical personnel who have monitored me throughout my diabetic journey.”
Mr Bain received a 50-year milestone award in 2015, in South Africa.
This year, he could not travel to Sydney for the presentation, so his medal was posted and presented to him at a local ceremony.
He also nominated Mid North Coast Health diabetes educator Jodine Ball for recognition during the application process.
He credits the ongoing medical support for his health outcomes.
Mr Bain’s advice to others with type-1 diabetes is simple.
“[It] is to watch their glucose levels using CGM or whatever is available to them.
“Discipline to keep within glucose target ranges is imperative,”
Diabetes Australia awards the Kellion Victory Medal each year to people who have lived with type-1 or type-2 diabetes for 50 years or more.
The medal acknowledges their long-term management and quality of life.
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