As Australian basketball star Lara McSpadden prepares to fly to Glasgow to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games, she is carrying far more than the green and gold.
The 25-year-old Gangurrus 3×3 representative lives with type 1 diabetes, making her a powerful example of this year’s National Diabetes Week message that when people living with diabetes share their experiences, everyone is stronger together.
This year’s National Diabetes Week (July 12-18) campaign, Living Out Loud, is encouraging the two million Australians living with diabetes to speak openly, without apology, about the realities of living with the condition and the support that helps them thrive.
Diabetes Australia’s campaign invites people with lived experience, carers, health professionals and diabetes researchers to share a declaration that finishes the sentence: ‘I wish people knew…’
As a Diabetes Australia Blue Circle Collective Ambassador, Lara hopes her story gives confidence to others, especially young people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
‘I wish people knew you can represent Australia with diabetes,’ Ms McSpadden said.
Diabetes has never stopped this 193cm-tall champion from chasing her dreams. Instead, it has become another part of preparing to compete at the highest level.
Diagnosed at the age of seven, Lara has represented Australia at junior and senior levels, won world championship and Asia Cup gold medals, and now heads to Glasgow determined to see Australia succeed once again.
‘I never pretend type 1 diabetes is easy,’ Ms McSpadden said. ‘It means making hundreds of extra decisions every day and constantly thinking ahead, particularly when I am training or competing. But I have never believed diabetes should decide what I can achieve.
‘I have been incredibly fortunate to have supportive parents, teammates, coaches and health professionals around me. That support has made all the difference. I want young people living with diabetes to know they can still chase big dreams. There will be difficult days, but diabetes does not define who you are or what you are capable of,’ she said.
Living proof
Speaking at Keilor Basketball Stadium in Melbourne for the launch of National Diabetes Week, Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said Lara perfectly captures the spirit of this year’s campaign.
‘Lara is living proof that diabetes is not a barrier to ambition, achievement or success. She is also honest about the daily work that goes into managing type 1 diabetes, and that honesty is incredibly important,’ Ms Cain said.
‘Living Out Loud is about making sure the voices of people living with diabetes are heard. Too often, diabetes is reduced to statistics or misunderstood through myths and stereotypes. The people living with it every day are the experts in what life with diabetes is really like.’
Ms Cain said many Australians living with diabetes still experienced stigma, misunderstanding and isolation.
‘When people share their stories, they help others feel less alone. They challenge misconceptions, build understanding and create momentum for better care, better policies, better research and stronger support.
‘This National Diabetes Week we are inviting every Australian living with diabetes to speak up about the one thing they have always wished people understood. Every voice matters because real change happens when we speak together,’ Ms Cain said.
Whether living with diabetes, caring for someone who is, working in the health sector or simply wanting to learn more, Australians are encouraged to join the conversation during National Diabetes Week and help create a future where nobody living with diabetes feels invisible or alone.
