By Molly Magennis
A Bundoora local has been awarded the Diabetes Victoria Kellion Victory medal for living with type one diabetes for 50 years.
Steven Bye was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 17-years-old and said he was upset when he first found out.
“I was just a bit upset and thought why me, because I’ve got six siblings in my family and I’m the only one who’s got it,” he said.
His father also lived with diabetes and received both 50 and 60-year Kellion Victory medals, so when Mr Bye received one of his own it was a very special moment.
“It feels pretty special to get this. Type one diabetes is a pretty big thing and I’ve had it for over 50 years now,” Mr Bye said.
“I was very determined to look after myself which is easier [now] than when my dad got it. So it’s pretty special to get this far and get recognised for the 50 years.”
Despite living with the chronic condition for most of his life, Mr Bye never let it stop him from doing what he wanted to do, and has led a very active lifestyle.
“I come from Tasmania and I played football to the highest level in Tasmania. I played basketball, I’ve got two Australian basketball titles,” Mr Bye said.
“I’ve played sport all my life and I never changed anything. I didn’t let it stop me doing what I wanted to do.”
Mr Bye said it’s important to make sure you’ve got a good support network around you, and thanked his family, wife and doctors for sticking by him and looking after him all these years.
“You need a good support network, people who understand what diabetes is and the complications you may get if you don’t look after yourself properly,” he said.
Diabetes Victoria had originally planned to celebrate the 2021 Kellion Victory medallists with an award ceremony earlier this month, but have had to cancel it due to ongoing COVID restrictions.
Mr Bye hopes that he and the other finalists will be able to get together and celebrate their achievement down the track.
“It’s important we can get together and have a big party.”
