Warrnambool diabetes expert Ann Morris says technological advances in her field are nifty and exciting.
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The diabetes educator believes progress is allowing society to take vital steps toward acceptance.
Her comments come in the wake of a jewellery launch at the Warrnambool Art Gallery on September 15.
The event will showcase necklaces that administer insulin through the skin for people with diabetes.
The fashionable accessory is the brainchild of Melbourne-based designer Leah Heiss who will also be attending the weekend event.
“New technology is so nifty,” Mrs Morris said. “I think it is absolutely innovative and it’s exciting to watch.”
“You have people wearing diabetes ID or medic alert bracelets that are very medicalised, they’re not attractive, they’re a big rubber band that says “I have diabetes” and it’s a terrible thing to wear a label.
“The beautiful thing about this jewellery is that not only is it beautiful but its all about trying to make people with diabetes become less labelled and be seen as people with a condition, not labelled as the condition.
Mrs Morris said there was a myth within the community about diabetes.
“People with both types of diabetes are stigmatised because there’s a lack of understanding about what diabetes mean,” she said. “People think they should be able to avoid it through dietary and lifestyle changes.”
“People aren’t their disease. We talk about it as being a condition, people with diabetes don’t suffer from it, they live with it.”
Technology has also improved diabetes pumps Mrs Morris said.
“We’re hosting information sessions this week and next to let people with diabetes know about updated versions of insulin pumps on the market,” she said.
The pumps semi-automate insulin delivery through more accurate sensors.
“They’re smaller than a credit card,” Mrs Morris said. “And can be recharged while you’re wearing it. They’re rechargeable off your car system, laptop or powerpack.”
Artist Talk will be at WAG September 15, 1 to 2pm.
An insulin pump information session will be held at Lady Bay Resort September 19, 6 to 9pm.