In an awe-inspiring moment for Australian sport and the diabetes community, 21-year-old Brisbane sprinter Lachlan Kennedy is the second Australian in history to run 100 metres in under 10 seconds – all while managing the demands of type 1 diabetes.
Lachie’s extraordinary performance in Nairobi on May 31 not only made global headlines but also sends a powerful message this National Diabetes Week: people with diabetes can do anything.
Diagnosed at age 15, Lachie lives with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that requires constant monitoring and management. Preparing for a six-week international racing tour across Africa, Europe and the US, he carried not just his competition gear, but also a full suite of life-saving diabetes technology including blood test strips, insulin pump supplies, back up insulin pens, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and sensors, as well as insulin and treatments for low blood glucose levels.
And when things didn’t go to plan, Lachie did what he always does: kept his cool and did the best he could with what he had.
Two days before the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5, Lachie’s last blood glucose sensor stopped working. He reverted to old-school finger prick testing, while nursing a hairline stress fracture to his back, competing against the fastest sprinters in the world. His determination underlines what thousands of Australians living with diabetes face every day: the unrelenting, often invisible work it takes to stay well.
“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. My continuous glucose monitor and my insulin pump help me to have healthy glucose levels, and there are rarely any issues,” said Lachie.
“It was just frustrating and annoying that I was already dealing with an injury and I had this extra diabetes stuff to deal with too. Whatever happens though, whatever race I’m competing in, I still have to manage my type 1 diabetes.”
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said Lachie’s story is a reminder of the strength and resilience within the diabetes community.
“Lachlan Kennedy is evidence that people with type 1 diabetes can do anything,” Ms Cain said.
“This National Diabetes Week we’re highlighting the importance of preventing diabetes complications. Affordable access to technology like insulin pumps and CGMs is a critical part of that.
“Lachlan isn’t just an athlete. He’s a champion and an inspiration for young Australians with type 1 diabetes.”
With more than 141,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes, Lachlan’s journey matters. People living with diabetes make around 180 extra health decisions every day just to stay safe. For many, access to life-changing technology is limited by cost.
Lachie believes that living with type 1 diabetes has shaped him into the athlete and person he is today.
“I think I live a healthier lifestyle than I would have done if I hadn’t developed type 1 diabetes,” Lachie said.
“It forces you to be aware, to think about your body, to be disciplined. That definitely helps on and off the track.”
This National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia is continuing to call for expanded government subsidies for insulin pumps for people living with type 1 diabetes – particularly those under 21, health care card holders, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The cost of all types of diabetes to the Australian health system is now estimated at over $9.1 billion each year, with many complications preventable through better support and early intervention.
“If we can prevent complications, we don’t just save lives. We reduce hospitalisations, we protect physical and mental health, and we ease pressure on our health system,” Ms Cain said.
Lachie’s success on the world stage shows what’s possible with the right support. For young people newly diagnosed with diabetes, his message is simple:
“Don’t ever think diabetes will stop you. Put yourself in the best position you can, mentally and physically, and you can do anything.”
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, state-based organisations, researchers and the community.
For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
