True Stories

Johan Alvemalm

11 May 2009

Many of you will remember Johan Alvemalm from our Autumn edition of dialog, which featured his plans for a fundraising event with a difference, ‘Roller Ride for Charity’. Johan’s motivation to undertake the challenge and raise funds for both Diabetes WA and the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA comes from his own personal journey and the “rollercoaster ride” his family have been on in recent years.

Diagnosed in Sweden with type 1 diabetes at age 20, Johan found he simply had to follow a set of rules in order to manage his condition. As he grew older he discovered that in order to gain greater freedom in every day life, he needed to take more personal responsibility for his condition. While Johan says diabetes management is a team effort, including advice and guidance from his dietitian and GP, he says “at the end of the day, it all comes down to me.”

As a father of two balancing work and family, Johan knew that his diabetes management could easily get pushed to the bottom of his priorities. When Johan’s wife, Amrit, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, Johan was struck with the realisation that, unlike breast cancer, diabetes could be controlled and he was able to do something about getting back on track. He describes his diabetes control as an ongoing journey requiring persistence, support and knowledge.

For Johan, the most difficult part of living with diabetes has been the mental challenge facing him every day, in particular the constant planning and analysis of his blood glucose levels, medication and food. He believes that in order to self manage his diabetes,emotional support is as crucial as education and practical advice. Another significant part in helping Johan to better manage his diabetes was going on an insulin pump in 2004, which he says gave him tremendous freedom.

In preparation for the ‘Roller Ride for Charity’, an event modelled on a 90km cross-country ski race held annually in Sweden, Johan underwent extensive training and regular testing of his blood glucose to understand his progress and avoid hypos. On Saturday 10 May, Johan rollerskied and rollerbladed 90km around Perth, finishing up at the University of Western Australia’s rowing headquarters.

Johan’s amazing achievement helped to raise $17,000 for both Diabetes WA and the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA. He hopes that the funds he raised can assist others in managing their diabetes, through increased access to the knowledge, support and services that he knows can be so empowering.