God had a plan for me even before He knitted me in my mother’s womb. He knew I would develop diabetes and would use it for His purpose. He knew my mum would be in heaven all too soon from devastating diabetes related health complications, He knew that 3 years after mum went that my dad would develop diabetes aged 83. He knew I wouldn’t be nursing clinically but would keep my hand in the field, perfect for a moment like this. He knew the doors for chaplaincy training (clinical pastoral education) would swing open to fit beautifully with Christ-centered diabetes health coaching. He knew my heart posture would be toward my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who desperately need His words of love, guidance and encouragement in their walk with diabetes. He knew all of these things, and that He would make them all work together for my good, and for yours too. He is a God of love and redemption.

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In 2022, I was diagnosed with diabetes after developing the classic symptoms of fatigue, blurred vision, unquenchable thirst and constant trips to the loo. 

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Having a background in nursing, I knew what these symptoms pointed to. I went to my GP and asked him to check my blood sugar level explaining my mother was Type 1 diabetic, my most recent HbA1c was perfectly non-diabetic and what my symptoms were. The blood sugar meter maxed out and read "HIGH" (over 30 mmol/L / 540mg/dL). We both knew it was urgent. I was on my way to hospital immediately. With a recently perfect HbA1c, it wasn’t type 2, it could only be type 1 autoimmune diabetes.

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Blood tests at hospital revealed autoantibodies were present which confirmed it was Type 1. My antibody levels were over 200 - remarkably high when you consider that Type 1 is diagnosed with a level of 2 or more. I'd been recovering from a nasty viral illness and just as research strongly suggests, the virus had triggered an autoimmune attack destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in my pancreas. It was clear I had a sudden onset of type 1 and I started on a comprehensive regimen of fast acting (Novorapid) and slow acting insulin (Lantus). 

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In early 2026, I gained certification in Diabetes in Practice for Nurses. Although I trained as a Nurse back in the early 1990’s, I never worked as one, and do not hold the modern degree qualification. In 1994, a few years after the New Zealand Government discontinued hospital-based training, the then polytechnic based 3-year diploma was scrapped, and the 4-year degree was crammed into 3 years. I was caught in the middle when I took a break from study after my second year. Upon my return to study, further changes had been made with new pre and co-requisite papers which really challenged my ability to continue. I did continue but quickly realised I was out of my depth with the substantial changes and time away from study. My student loan was already phenomenal, I so decided to opt out instead of extending my training and going into huge debt. I then landed a fantastic job as a nurse recruiter with Geneva Health International recruiting UK nurses to NZ under the skilled migrant worker immigration scheme. This lead to a very satisfying career.

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In my heart, I’m still a nurse and call myself a nurse, though never a Registered Nurse. My training and knowledge far, far exceeds that of a health coach and as I have gained certification in Diabetes Practice for Nurses, and hopefully in chaplaincy in 2027, I am a bit of a hybrid. Particularly too as there is nothing like living it yourself to really understand - especially when you have a keen scientific brain that loves to delve into medical research to maximise my lived experience.

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As Type 1 mainly differs from type 2 in its provenance of being autoimmune, the day-to-day management, the potential for weight gain, the fight against insulin resistance and the long-term health complications are the same. Whether like me, you are type 1 with a pancreas permanently on strike with highs and lows for any of 42 reasons, or if you have type 2 managed with or without insulin, let me walk with you in your journey. Let me love you, support you, provide beautiful Christ centred diabetes resources for you and nurture you toward the fullness of health with gentle and supportive guidance that will improve your health.