I’ve spent a lot of time promoting Indigenous health… all without thinking about my own

I never thought I would have diabetes, it is something I thought was only for old people or people who were unhealthy.

My name is Russell Dann and I’m a Nyul Nyul man from Beagle Bay community, north of Broome in Western Australia.

For more than 20 years I’ve been a radio broadcaster in the Kimberly region of Western Australia, most recently with the PAKKAM network.

I’ve spent a lot of time promoting Indigenous health, such as STI check-ups, men’s wellbeing, community mental health, and suicide in the Kimberly; all without thinking about my own health.

Recently I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which is a big problem in Indigenous communities. Recent statistics show that around 11% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffer from diabetes, as high as 33% in some communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more than 3 times as likely as non-Indigenous people to have diabetes.

Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t know I why I was fatigued, or why I had numbness in my hands and feet. I didn’t know why I was finding it hard to get up early for my morning breakfast show. There were days when I had to lie down all day after only a few hours of work.

I never thought I would have diabetes, it is something I thought was only for old people or people who were unhealthy. I walk a lot and try to eat healthy, so I never imagined that was the reason why I was so tired. I just thought I was over worked.

I finally went to the doctors a couple of months ago for a check-up and was told I had diabetes.

Aboriginal men are shame to get health check-ups  whether for physical or mental help and living in community there isn’t always much choice in food and drink. Remote communities struggle to get affordable, fresh food, so many go for whatever’s available. It can also be difficult to exercise in a small community where people are watching, and dogs can be very cheeky.

My own struggles have given me a new perspective to understand the effects of diabetes on a person’s health and how it affects the body and mind in ways I didn’t consider.

I’ve been through it and want to warn people that its important to get checked and watch what you are eating, teach children not to eat so much junk food and to keep active.

Even if you don’t feel sick it’s good to get a check up now and then at your local clinic or at the hospital in town. This means if there is anything wrong they can find it early and get it treated.

Listen to Russell Dann in his own words here: