Oliver’s strength shines on World Diabetes Day

Oliver Casson-Crook from Llandudno Primary School is a cheerful and determined Grade 4 pupil whose courage in living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) inspired everyone around him.

World Diabetes Day is an annual global awareness campaign held on November 14 to highlight the growing health threat of diabetes.

Oliver was just five years old when he was diagnosed, a moment that changed everything for his family.

His mom, Martine, remembers the day vividly: “The diagnosis of T1D when Ollie was five changed the lives of everyone in our family. It was an anxious and upsetting time, and we had to adjust to what it required from us, practically and emotionally.”

In the months leading up to his diagnosis, the family began noticing some unusual changes. It wasn’t until a long drive home from holiday that they realised these changes were more serious than they first thought.

The following day, a family friend who is a doctor performed a quick check and advised them to take Oliver to the hospital immediately.

“That day truly changed our lives,” Martine said.

With no family history of diabetes, the diagnosis came as a shock. But over the past four years, the family has learned, adapted, and grown stronger together.

“It’s taken time, but we now feel more confident about the future Ollie (Oliver) can have. Even though T1D is a big part of his life, it’s not the only part. He’s become more confident, more independent, and more willing to take on new challenges,” Martine said.

Oliver’s days are filled with routines that most children never think about, such as checking blood sugar, calculating insulin doses, and making careful choices around food and activity.

“If someone shadowed me for a day, they’d notice I carry a bag and a wire for my insulin. Every time I eat, I have to give myself insulin before I can start,” Oliver said.

When asked what he wishes others understood about diabetes, his answer is simple but powerful: “That you have to constantly put in insulin before and after meals.”

Oliver calls his ability to manage his blood sugar his "superpower".

“When I go low or high, I know how to control it and what I need to do. If he could rename World Diabetes Day, Oliver would call it “A day of recognising all the doctors who have done things for us and other people who need help.”

And to another child who has just been diagnosed, he would say, “It was difficult at first, but once you get older and learn more, you’ll get the hang of it.”

For Martine, Oliver’s journey is a story of hope, resilience, and family.

“We’ve faced big challenges and many disruptions, but Ollie has shown us what strength really looks like. He often doesn't feel well, and he's shown us time and time again the courage and determination it takes for him to face each day."

She also emphasises the importance of support and awareness: “It is a very difficult illness to manage, but there are amazing people and resources out there to offer help. Greater diabetes awareness means earlier detection and access to essential medical care. It means greater understanding from others about how the illness affects people and the support they may need, and it means knowing to read the warning signs when somebody with T1D is in crisis and needs help.”

This World Diabetes Day, Oliver and his family remind everyone to celebrate not just awareness, but understanding.

"Behind every test strip, pump, and insulin pen is a story of perseverance," Martine said.