Reason to spread truth on diabetes

Often, when people discover Geraldton woman Ashton Reynolds has diabetes, they will respond with a surprised, “Oh! But you’re not big.”

Ms Reynolds said she’s not offended by the assumption that diabetes is caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices.

She understands there’s a lack of general knowledge on what the incurable condition is and how people get it.

“When I was diagnosed with diabetes, even I was like, ‘OK, cool, how do I get rid of it?’” Ms Reynolds admitted.

“There’s not that much education out there.

“So I’m trying to raise awareness.”

In April, 2016, the 32-year-old was told she had type 1 diabetes, where the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells for undetermined reasons.

Her diagnosis came after she felt constantly fatigued and was easily able to sleep 17 hours a day.

She has since decided to fundraise for Diabetes WA, to help them pay for the costs of running information sessions for those newly diagnosed with the autoimmune condition.

Up until May 23, Ms Reynolds had raised more than $3526 during her participation in HBF Run for a Reason on May 19.

Ms Reynolds, who works for a Webberton steel distributor and runs her own eyelash extension business, said she was not particularly athletic and didn’t have time to train for the event.

“I was just sort of winging it,” she chuckled.

“Things like this feel really good.

“I feel like it’s a good start to hopefully moving into bigger things later in life.”