GREG BIRD’s first encounter with Diabetes WA was through his local pharmacist, when he went in for health advice and ended up in an ambulance. He shares his experience of getting back on his feet.

“Last October I went into my local pharmacist as I was feeling crook. I had been hitting it pretty hard on all fronts, knocking back the booze and not eating a balanced diet. They gave me some medication, but the next day I was still feeling bad, so I went back. This time, the pharmacist called Diabetes WA and was advised to call an ambulance immediately.

I was taken to Midland Hospital before being transferred to Royal Perth Hospital, where I was put in an induced coma for 20 days. Although I had some awareness of what was going on at times, I couldn’t talk, and I was hallucinating and delusional.

My kids came to see me and the doctors told them I might not pull through. When I eventually woke up, I learned I’d had pancreatitis and multi-organ failure, and I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I had seven artery lines coming out of me, including one in my neck. I had lost all my muscle tone, needed a Zimmer frame and had no idea what had happened to me. It was all one long confused nightmare.

We had to track down my car, because I hadn’t seen it since I walked into the chemist, and then my family packed up my flat and moved me down to Kendenup to be closer to them.

Since getting out of hospital I’ve done a lot of research into type 2 diabetes and how it relates to diet and lifestyle. My approach was to start with step one, which is keeping a journal of what I’m doing and eating, writing down my meds and how much insulin I’ve had and monitoring my blood glucose levels over the day. You’re never going to remember it all, so if you write it down it’s easier to keep track and you can gauge your progress. You do get a bit obsessed.

What I’ve found most helpful is the regular contact with a diabetes educator, because it means there’s some accountability. I can send them my readings to check, and I know when there’s a call coming in. This helps to keep me on track, because I don’t want to disappoint them or myself. Obviously, they can’t be with me 24 hours a day, so I need to help myself, but they have been there to answer a few things that were confusing me about type 2 diabetes.

The tricky bit is convincing someone to make a small step. And then maintaining that behaviour. Type 2 diabetes is a slow creeper. You might have a mild version and think you can buy some time, but then it catches up with you and it’s horrendous and suddenly you have to make huge changes.

For me, changing my diet has made the biggest difference. I was drinking a lot of alcohol and eating a lot of sugar, but now I’ve given up alcohol and really looked at what I’m eating. It’s easier to focus on what you should be eating than what you shouldn’t – fresh fruit and veggies are key. It’s about slowly nudging in the right direction and watching your intake to keep your blood glucose levels at bay. I just keep it simple and don’t eat too much of anything.

Walking has been great for me. I’m now walking up to 3.5 kilometres a day and I can see my blood glucose levels going down after each walk. My insulin dosage is down, my cholesterol is down, my weight is down and my liver is working well again.

It’s about slowly nudging in the right direction

I’m in a fortunate position because I love cooking and I like researching, so now I’m learning a lot more through watching health documentaries and researching health and lifestyle online. There’s a lot of good information out there.

I’m also slowly getting back to work. I’ve been in the music industry for 35 years and was in a band called The Magnificent Seven, but I’ve had my fill of playing live music in the city. I’m building a recording studio down here so I can continue my music production. It’s called Reel Ghost Productions because I felt like a ghost when I got out of hospital. I’m also working as disability support worker three times a week in Perth.

Before this happened, I felt like there was so much time in front of me. Now I’m not procrastinating. I think with diabetes you can feel a bit dazed. What I’ve realised is that once you sort out your blood glucose levels, your mood lifts, you get some clarity in your thinking and you’re firing on all fours again.

It’s been six months since I got out hospital and I’m feeling pretty good. Avoiding that whole scenario again is enough of a motivator, but it’s also about quality of life and being around for my six kids and twelve grandkids. I’ve been to hell and back and basically come out riding the horse.

From heading into the pharmacist and asking for help to a recent trip to my GP when she told me she’s happy with my results and I can now stop the insulin, I’m glad I found the right support when I really needed it.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas. It can occur quickly over a number of days or take longer to develop. Common signs and symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol, autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders and, in rare cases, by diabetes medications.

Do you have a question about diabetes?

Anyone in Western Australia can call our free helpline for advice and support from our team.

Call 1300 001 880 or email info@diabeteswa.com.au