Q. Where are you from?
A. I am from Edmonton, AB, but now find myself settled in the Moncton NB area, with stops in Jasper, Ft Mac, and Dallas TX along the way
Q. What’s your story?
A. March 2011 will be 28 yrs with diabetes. I was exclusively an MDIer, and struggled for many years. Diabetes kicked my ass left and right, and eventually things progressed to the point where I was a candidate for the Edmonton Protocol. I had 2 transplants in 05 and 07, and I’m now 5 years and counting insulin free!
I am a library technician by training, but a jack of all trades by choice. Love computer stuff, TV shows, and reading.
Married for 3+ years, actually started dating about 2 weeks after my 1st transplant.
Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was brutal – Ultralente, Lente and Toronto insulin – mixing Toronto and Lente in a syringe. 60 second glucometer that weighed 12 lbs – life is way better now tech wise for peeps with diabetes.
Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Soundgarden – Fell on Black Days
Foo Fighters – Best of You
30 Seconds to Mars – This is War
U2 – Mysterious Ways
Mighty Mighty Bosstones – The Impression That I Get
Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. Obviously having the transplant and being insulin free is my great opportunity, and I try to make the most of it by talking and inspiring others – sharing a cautionary tale, and stressing the importance of research.
I will be doing a presentation in Dubai in 2011 at the IDF conference there – so that is pretty cool too.
Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I wish I had great positive diabetes role models when I was growing up. Life would have been easier for sure. I strongly believe that the more active you are with your diabetes, the better life you lead – through talking to hundreds of PWDs.
I walk, I work, but I confess I like the life of leisure
Q. Do you have a website or blog that you’d like featured?
A. www.jasonturner.ca/blog
