Charlotte Austin

A Long Time Ago...

At the age of 3, life changed dramatically for both me and my family. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and from that day (12th of July 1992), I've been injecting insulin and everything else that goes with being diabetic.

Blasé

Through the majority of my teens (ok, and a bit longer...), I was very blasé about self-management. When you can talk the talk, doctors can be easily convinced that you're in control but test results don't lie. After too many 'close calls' and 3 years of complete neglect during university, it was time to step up.

YPP Focus

In May 2013, I became part of the Diabetes UK Cymru (Wales) Young Person's Programme group (we are affectionately referred to as the YPPs), with 11 other 18-30 year olds who were also living with type 1 diabetes. Being part of this exciting project with other young leaders has been pivotal in regaining focus and control.

Pump

After nearly 22 years of injections - twice daily at first then multiple daily injections (MDI) - I was put on an insulin pump. This is where we leave history and enter the present.

Weightlifting

I like a challenge and competition, so in the summer of 2013, I took up Olympic weightlifting. Being strong comes very naturally to me (good genetics) but the skills required for Olympic weightlifting are very complex. The challenge continues!