We just got an email from Derick Truter, who is a Type 1 diabetic and also a Mr South Africa contestant. Here’s his story – let’s all support him on his Mr SA journey!
Let me quickly introduce myself.
My name is Derick W Truter (Age: 21), and I am one of the Top 50 Finalist for the Mr South Africa Competition of 2017.
As challenge one of four (1/4), we had to raise a minimum amount of R10,000.00 for CANSA. We are being judged on our creativity and hard work during the contest. I held a “Potjie” Contest and family day to raise funds for this good cause; we have raised R13,000.00.
I was born in Carletonville, Gauteng (06/06/1996), and grew up living in Gauteng. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on 14/10/2010 in the Potchefstroom Medic Clinic hospital, after I was rushed to the medical department after my local doctor tested my sugar and found the meter saying “HI”. This was after my grandma noticed diabetic symptoms. At the time of hospitalisation, my blood reading showed 34.4mmol.
In 2011, I was also diagnosed with Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas, causing abdominal pain). I went for several medical procedures, including CAT Scans and Endoscopy. With the time passing, I have already begun to experience diabetic complications, as my eyesight is getting poor, and I still experience occasional abdominal pain caused by the inflamed pancreas.
But today I am standing strong as one of the MR SA contestants.
As a diabetic, I fully understand the emotions we have to deal with daily: this is not an easy condition to live with, because it takes time to manage and a lot of patience…
Sometimes I also experience ups and downs and days I am not feeling well, and I know how hard it is to educate other people, who think diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Insulin is not a cure: it is life support.
I want us to find a cure.
I will stand strong, and fight this condition every day.
I want to be a voice for every other diabetic!
A high 5 to you, Derrick! I wish you all the best in your road to Mr South Africa! I really hope you win because we really need a voice for diabetes out there!
My 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with T1D a year ago. Before that I didn’t even know kids could get diabetes. Since then I’ve realized I was not alone in my ignorance! When people see my daughter, they think that diabetes can’t be that serious because she looks healthy! She is full of life and energy! But they don’t know just what she goes through in a day. People need to be educated, so that they can understand. I don’t want my daughter growing up using diabetes as a crutch or an excuse. And I don’t want her to get special treatment because she is diabetic…..I just want people to understand what she goes through.
Keep up the good work!
Well done Derick!!! I understand! My daughter is 11. She has diabetes type 1 since she was 2 years old. Its hard tot manage. But wonderful to see how you live your life with diabetes. Good luck hope you win!!!