Ross Hirning
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1994 – I was relatively young, active and not overweight – and was treated initially with oral medication. I changed to intensive insulin therapy in 2002 to achieve better control of blood glucose.
The main impact of diabetes on my lifestyle is due to the intensive insulin therapy, which requires significant time and attention, and can be awkward at social events or when travelling. I’ve had no complications so far.
It’s important to raise awareness for a number of reasons: to help to reduce the risk of occurrence through lifestyle changes; to reduce risk of complications occurring before a diagnosis is made; and to control rapidly increasing costs associated with treatment and disability.
I began volunteering with the Canadian Diabetes Association in 2004, starting as member of executive committee of North York Chapter. I have also volunteered as a member of the Food and Nutrition Policy Advisory Subcommittee; member of the Speaker’s Bureau (giving public presentations on behalf of the Association); facilitator of the Richmond Hill Diabetes Support Group; assisting with Association expos and symposia; and being a photography model for the first (and possibly last!) time in my life. Separately, I also assisted with diabetes research project at Mount Sinai by doing data analysis which led to being co-author of a published paper.