I’ll be OK in the long run 12 July 2016 From Kim Kardashian to Russell Crowe, masseur to the stars Philip Rule was comfortable dealing with the biggest names in sport and entertainment. He was on top of the world work-wise and feeling healthy so a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes came out of the blue for 5th generation coalminer who, as well as being a massage whiz, has 30 years鈥 experience underground. 鈥淚 was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005. I wasn鈥檛 particularly overweight and I didn鈥檛 think I was unhealthy so it was a bit of a surprise,鈥 Philip said. 鈥淎fter that I probably didn鈥檛 take it seriously enough. I had been doing some work in the mines and I started to develop ulcers on my feet that just wouldn鈥檛 heal.鈥 The ulcers were just a warning of what was to come. 鈥淓verything really kicked off in 2012. First I had the big toe on my left foot amputated. After that I was a bit off balance and I had to adapt and regain my balance but it wasn鈥檛 too bad,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut over the next eighteen months, I was in and out of hospital losing more toes each time. Things just seemed to get worse and worse. 鈥淔inally at the beginning of this year I lost my entire right foot and all the toes on the other one. I鈥檒l be okay in the long run but it has been a horrible year so far.鈥 Tragically, Philip says many of these amputations could have been prevented if only he鈥檇 received the right education. 鈥淥bviously I鈥檓 ultimately responsible for my health, but I never really understood how serious diabetes could be, particularly when it comes to your feet,鈥 he said. 鈥淏etter education and awareness would be a huge step in the right direction. 鈥淚t is pretty clear we need a plan to support Australians with diabetes especially when it comes to their feet.鈥
Blog 1 June 2026 Life on the level podcast: returning for season 2聽 Life on the Level podcast is back with season 2. Hosted by young Aussies Isabella Magee and Sebastian Harris, this season explores what it's really like to live with type 1 diabetes; the challenges, the wins, and all the messy bits in between. Continue Reading
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Media releases 25 May 2026 New partnership聽on聽Target to deliver聽health checks聽 New data from self-serve health check stations reveals as many as one in three Queenslanders could have risk factors that they should discuss with their health professional.聽 Continue Reading