Jaelyn Lyas
Can you tell us a bit about you?
I am Jaelyn, I'm 19 years old this year and now living in Sydney. I run my own AV production business called Moon Jae Audio. I've always had a strong music background – I was classically trained in piano at six and I got into digital production when I was around 12, and I started working professionally in the industry when I was 15. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work with Queensland Symphony Orchestra Australia, the Australian Ballet, World Pride, Sydney Opera House and soon with famous Korean pop star – Kim Jong Kook at his highly anticipated concert here in Australia!
With type 1 diabetes, it's a bit of a complicated thing to juggle with my career as I travel a lot around Australia but Dexcom G6 has genuinely made this so much easier. A little bit about my diabetes journey. I was diagnosed with type one diabetes just over a week after my 13th birthday back in 2016. From that point onwards, I have been spreading awareness and education around diabetes because I find that a lot of people just don't have the right information around it.
The stigma around diabetes has been something that has adversely affected me both in my job and personal life, with comments like “I bet you got diabetes because you ate too much sugar as a child” or even “I avoid sugar because I’m scared to get diabetes like you”. These comments are so hurtful, because there was no choice we could’ve made to prevent this outcome, and I really want to help spread positive education around diabetes and help end the stigma.
What support do you use to help manage your diabetes?
Apart from my Dexcom G6, I also use MyFitnessPal to track my protein intake. For me, protein has been crucial to stabilise my sugars, especially since my job requires lots of running around and lifting up to 300kg of equipment!
I am also fortunate to have supportive work colleagues who have been very compassionate towards my circumstances. My workplaces also have registered nurses on site (in case someone gets hurt on shift), and they are well aware of my condition and I feel assured that I am being taken care of at work.
Most importantly, I am surrounded by friends who have a lot of empathy towards my condition, and will always be there for me during the bad days.
I am also fortunate to have supportive work colleagues who have been very compassionate towards my circumstances. My workplaces also have registered nurses on site (in case someone gets hurt on shift), and they are well aware of my condition and I feel assured that I am being taken care of at work.
Most importantly, I am surrounded by friends who have a lot of empathy towards my condition, and will always be there for me during the bad days.
What is the best part of your job?
It has been a crazy ride so far! I do a lot of cool things in my job, and I get to meet many interesting and famous personas. But my favourite part of my job is when I get to see the audience having a great time at the gig that I have put together, it gives me a sense of pride.
What do you see is lacking in terms of awareness around diabetes?
The thing I find most alarming is how people have a huge misconception of how diabetes was formed. Also, for younger individuals who were diagnosed with diabetes, they think that it's going to completely impede their ability to do whatever they want to do. But if you manage it the right way, and you're really taking care of yourself, nothing can hold you back. I have also learnt that with diabetes, I can’t fight it, and I just have to learn to deal with the cards I have and make the most out of life.
Want to be part of our community?
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Read the warnings available on dexcom.com/downloadsandguides and amsldiabetes.com.au/resources before purchasing. Consult your healthcare professional to see if this product is right for you.
Editor note: Jaelyn is an advocate for diabetes awareness and hopes through her story, she can motivate many more to live the life they want. Nothing is stopping this young woman and her insulin pump named Kevin