The reality of living with Type-1 diabetes & waiting for an organ transplant - with Rechelle Coombes

Rechelle Coombes was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes when she was 12. In her teens and early 20’s, Rechelle developed diabulimia (an eating disorder where diabetics restrict themselves of insulin) which landed her in hospital many times. As Rechelle got her diagnosis under control, Rechelle learned her kidneys were failing, which now means she is on the waiting list for a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant. In this episode we speak with Rechelle about the differences between Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, the misconceptions and stigma surrounding both, everything that led up to the point of Rechelle needing an organ transplant, and how she is using her experience to give back. We want to thank Rechelle for being so open <3  GET HELP In the episode we talk about disordered eating. If you need support - you can contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 8am – midnight (AEST) 7 days a week. FIND OUT MORE  This week is National Diabetes Week. You can learn more here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetes-week/  1 in 20 Australians has diabetes - making it the fastest growing chronic condition in the country. Rechelle is currently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant  Less than 1% of Australians become eligible organ donors. You can learn more about becoming an organ donor here: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today  Rechelle founded Unitely - a support platform for people living with chronic illness https://www.unitely.com.au/  FOLLOW US KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store