How One Call For Support Changed Everything

When she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003, Joan Nolan was handed a slip of paper, a list of items to buy at the pharmacy, and sent on her way.

“(The diagnosis) was a bit of a shock, and my regular GP was away, so I had another doctor who I felt was very judgemental,” Joan recalls.

“The doctor gave me a piece of paper and told me to ‘go and get all this’… I went to the pharmacy and the staff there didn’t know what to do either.

“Nobody showed me how to use any of the equipment and the pharmacy staff apologised. They hadn’t had any training in diabetes management and couldn’t help me.

“It was horrible, and it went on for a few days where I didn’t even know who to ask for help.”

Seeking help

Feeling confused and overwhelmed, a call to the Diabetes Victoria Help Centre was exactly what Joan needed.

“I rang Diabetes Victoria, and I spoke with this gorgeous lady, and she was just so nice,” she says.

“I was immediately reassured and felt supported.”

Following that first half-hour phone call, Joan received information about diabetes management and about joining Diabetes Victoria as a member. She has been supporting the organisation ever since.

Joan is a retired nurse, so she understands how vital it is to receive quality healthcare without judgement.

Joan Nolan

Joan Nolan

Thinking of others too

“My diagnosis was an unsure and scary time, and I had some negative experiences with health professionals,” she says.

“I had to shop around to find a care team that was right for me, who offered me support without stigma.

“I was pleased to hear recently about Diabetes Victoria supporting the global pledge to end diabetes stigma.”

Now 81, Joan lives with her beloved rescue dog, Martha and loves her gardening.

Previously a regular donor, she has left a bequest to Diabetes Victoria in her will.

She says at first her donations were to support diabetes research. As she gets older, she values the services and resources that Diabetes Victoria offers.

“Supporting Diabetes Victoria means to me that other people will hopefully get better treatment from the start,” she says.

“The lady I spoke to back in the early days and the help I got then left an impression on me about what a useful, helpful and kind organisation Diabetes Victoria is.”

“The medications available back then are now redundant, and there’s so much good stuff around now, but there is still a need for education, support, advocacy and research.”

Joan says the process of formalising her will only took as much time as sipping a cup of coffee.

“Writing my will ensures that what I want to happen will and it makes everything easier for my loved ones.”