Fletcher lobbies for diabetes cure
Local
Yorketown three-year-old Fletcher Buchanan is no stranger to the corridors of power.
He has already visited Parliament House in Canberra twice to enlist support for a cure for Type 1 diabetes, including last month when he met Federal Health Minister Mark Butler.
He and his mum Alex were invited to attend the launch of The Cost of Not Knowing report which highlights how new screening methods could identify Type 1 diabetes years before symptoms appear.
The report, presented to Minister Butler at Parliament House by Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), outlines the serious and often lifelong consequences of a sudden T1D diagnosis.
Fletcher is a member of the Yorke Peninsula Catholic parish. His father Luke is principal of St Columba’s Memorial School and his mother Alex is a teacher at the school.
Alex has been a passionate advocate for finding a cure for T1D since Fletcher was diagnosed with T1D shortly after his second birthday in June 2024. She was recognised as the South Australian Volunteer of the Year for Breakthrough T1D while in Canberra. Fletcher relies on life-saving insulin every day, injected through an insulin pump.
Alex, Buchanan, SA Breakthrough T1D Volunteer of the Year, with her son Fletcher
“Each day provides challenges for Fletcher and monitoring his blood sugar levels 24/7 places a lot of pressure on families. We would love nothing more than a cure,” Alex said.
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin, is most commonly diagnosed in children but can occur at any age.
Technology has come a long way, however those with Type 1 diabetes can be forced to make up to 180 extra decisions a day.
“Fletcher goes through a lot for a three year old and everything he eats is closely calculated so the right amount of insulin is administered through his pump,” Alex said.
“Every few days his sites have to be changed which is painful and traumatic for a child.”
Last November Fletcher and his parents travelled to Canberra for the annual Kids in the House event, where the Government committed $50.1m to research. During their latest visit, Alex and Fletcher met with Federal MPs, including newly elected Member for Grey, Tom Venning.
Alex said Fletcher was especially excited to show his continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump, proudly explaining how they help him manage his condition each day.
