At 33 years of age, Cathy Hoole is happily married, mum to two gorgeous children and in a job she loves. She only has one regret. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 11, Cathy admits that her early years of neglecting her health and an indifferent attitude towards her condition, has left her picking up the pieces in more recent years. In 2004, Cathy was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy and now knows more than ever the importance of taking control of your health - and sooner rather than later.

As a supporter of The RANZCO Eye Foundation’s annual JulEYE campaign for 2012, Cathy Hoole is passionate about the plight of eye health and wants to encourage all Australians, especially those with Diabetes to get their eyes regularly tested.

The RANZCO Eye Foundation met up with Cathy to talk about why eyesight means so much to her and why she is supporting JulEYE.

Can you tell us about a bit about yourself and your experience with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy?

I was diagnosed with Diabetes (Type 1) in 1988 at the young age of 11. Unfortunately, as a teenager, I did what so many kids that age tend to do and I swept the “issue“ of diabetes into the too hard basket. I couldn’t bare the thought of having to think about blood sugar levels, blood tests and all the other complications that came with worrying about diabetes. I guess I thought it wasn't really all that important and that I could just ignore it until I was older.

I ate normal sugary foods and drank sugary soft drinks. I never really ‘acted’ like I had Diabetes or made any special adjustments to my life. Looking back now that wasn't a very good idea at all.

I remember quite vividly when I was about 18 or 19 my doctors advised me that I really had to kick myself into gear and start looking after myself and my condition properly, otherwise I would be at risk of suffering from long-term complications when I was older.

I’m not sure why it all of a sudden made sense but this firm and cautionary reminder really struck a nerve with me and I immediately realized I had to take control of my life and my health. I had diabetes and it wasn't going away so I had to start behaving like a responsible adult and look after myself.

Unfortunately however, it seems that my doctors were right. My earlier years of neglect had already taken their toll and in 2004, I was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy and Kidney damage.

Did you know much about DR at the time?

No, not really. I knew that having Type 1 diabetes could cause eye problems (especially if it wasn’t controlled properly) but didn’t realize the seriousness of it until I actually had it.

What does living with DR involve and how is it changed your life?

Living with diabetes and DR is second nature to me now. I guess I don't really know any different. I’m so used to the routine of living with diabetes now and having to monitor my sugar levels and get regular blood tests. I see my doctor, Prof Mark Gillies every 3 months for a routine check-up and I’m hoping soon that it will extend to only every 6 months.

Why is it important for you to be involved in The RANZCO Eye Foundation’s JulEYE Campaign?

Realising that my health complications such as Diabetic Retinopathy and kidney damage could have been prevented had I paid more attention to my health at a younger age and taken simple yet essential steps to look after my diabetes, it’s now really important for me to pass on this lesson. I want to educate all Australians, and especially those living with diabetes about the importance of eye health and how easy it is to make eye checks a frequent appointment in your calendar.

If only I knew then what I know now. I guess I was like every teenager - you never seem to think long term or worry about the bad things that can happen when you’re grown up.

What message would you want to pass on to Australians living with diabetes?

Don't do what I did and ignore it and pretend it will all go away! Be educated, informed and aware of your condition and find out the facts and the figures. Think long-term and take control of your health. Monitor your sugar levels, diet and physical activity and make sure to get your eyes regularly tested.

I had to learn the hard way that diabetes won’t magically disappear overnight, you will only make things worse for yourself in the long term if you don't look after yourself now while you have the chance.

It’s actually funny now anyone I meet who has diabetes I tell them how important it is to take diabetes seriously, to look after themselves and to get their eyes tested! If you think about it, it’s like being told to wear sunblock if you have fair skin – you know you should take extra special care and wear sun protection but you don't always do it. The dangers of getting skin cancer however are real, as is the danger of developing DR if you have diabetes. Unfortunately one tends to follow the other.

What does eyesight mean to you?

Oh it’s everything! Especially thinking about my two gorgeous kids, I couldn’t imagine a life without my eyesight or to think about my family’s eyesight being compromised. To be honest, it scares the life out of me to even think about it, which is why I feel so lucky that my condition is under control and that I have so many amazing people providing me with information and guidance. I just want everyone else to make sure they get their eyes tested and know the facts.