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Since four-year-old Cory Mackay was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in January, his parents Jennifer Brown and Gerard Mackay have lived by the clock. Cory needs five insulin injections a day and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels to control his condition, making it impossible for him to attend pre-school or for Jennifer to work during the day. An insulin pump which would automatically release insulin over the day would allow Cory to start kindergarten next year without needing Jennifer to visit the school at lunch time to give her son a needle. But an insulin pump will cost $9800 and with Gerard having recently started a new job, the family will receive little government assistance to buy it. Jennifer said an insulin pump would make it easier to ensure Cory gets the insulin he needs and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels. “At his age it is more difficult because he doesn’t understand the consequences if he doesn’t have his needles,” Jennifer said. “He’s pretty good, but five needles a day is a lot for a kid his age.” With an insulin pump, Corey would need an injection only once every three days. “At the moment, he can’t even sleep in because he has to have a needle at 7am,” Jennifer said. Type 1 diabetes cannot be controlled by diet and exercise and Cory will be dependent on insulin for the rest of his life. Cory was diagnosed with diabetes after Jennifer noticed he was drinking a lot of water. While the family was on holidays he woke up crying and wouldn’t let anyone touch him. He was taken to hospital, where he was tested, diagnosed with diabetes and immediately admitted. The family hopes that with the help of the community, Cory will have an insulin pump by the time he starts school. Jennifer can be contacted on 0448 159 757. What’s the Buzz about Diabetes? Buzz Day will be held across NSW on September 21 to raise money to help improve the health and lives of people living with and at risk of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood because the body is not producing insulin or not using insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces the insulin needed. It is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in developed nations. It is not caused by lifestyle factors. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood but it can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively Risk factors for type 2 diabetes includes family history, ethnic background and being overweight – particularly around the waist. Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease. An estimated 2.45 million Australians have pre-diabetes and about 1,150,000 Australians have been officially diagnosed with diabetes. To find out how you can support Buzz Day go to www.buzzday.com.au or visit Blooms The Chemist in Mudgee.

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