Tasmania’s new Health Minister Guy Barnett opens up on living with type 1 diabetes

Tasmania’s newly appointed Health Minister, Guy Barnett, received a shock diagnosis more than two decades ago – and it’s an experience he says will shape his approach to the job.

Health Minister Guy Barnett, who has type 1 diabetes, with his blood glucose monitor kit and insulin pump on his waist. Picture: Supplied

Twenty-six years ago, veteran politician Guy Barnett received a shock diagnosis that would change his life forever.

It was January 15, 1997, when Mr Barnett, then 34 and working as a lawyer and consultant in Hobart, learnt he had type 1 diabetes.

“Type 1 can affect anybody at any time from age zero up to about 35. Sometimes later,” he said.

“It’s in your genes and it gets triggered by something. And they say it’s either some sort of sickness or stress that might trigger that gene to show itself as type 1 diabetes. The symptoms are insatiable thirst, urinating, and [extreme fatigue] – the symptoms of having high blood sugar levels.”

Health Minister Guy Barnett, who has type 1 diabetes, with his blood glucose monitor kit and insulin pump on his waist. Picture: Supplied

Mr Barnett was last month appointed as Tasmania’s new Health Minister and says his experience living with diabetes gives him a unique perspective that will help inform his approach to the challenging portfolio.

“I think it gives me a fair bit of empathy and understanding of others in Tasmania who are vulnerable or doing it tough or need help and support,” he said.

“And I’m very keen to advocate for them and to support them and help them improve their health or address the concerns that they have in terms of their health.”

Mr Barnett is one of more than 30,000 Tasmanians living with diabetes.

Formerly a Liberal senator for nine years, Mr Barnett has previously served as the president of Diabetes Tasmania and as an ambassador for Diabetes Australia. An avid cyclist, he started the Pollie Pedal event in 2006, which has now raised more than $700,000 to support Tasmanians living with diabetes.

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells, Guy Barnett MP and Invictus Games power lifter and swimmer Jarrod Kent ahead of the 2019 Pollie Pedal fundraising event. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“I can actually say I thank God for my diabetes. I love being able to help people with diabetes and their families and be an advocate for them,” Mr Barnett said.

The Lyons MP wears an insulin pump on his waist, which delivers the essential hormone into his bloodstream when his levels are low. He also carries with him a blood glucose monitor and never leaves the house without a bag of jelly beans.

“I have jelly beans in the car, in my bedroom, in my bag, in my desk in the parliament – everywhere I go,” he said.

“Because if my blood sugars go down, I need some sugar, I need some glucose. Hence I’m a connoisseur of jelly beans. I know the best jelly beans.”

Mr Barnett said he was partial to the Glucojel brand.

He said his diabetes had reaffirmed in his mind the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. The minister regularly plays squash and tennis, enjoys swimming, and is part of a Launceston cycling group called the Foxes, Hounds and Turtles (FHAT).

He said his diet was low in carbohydrates and high in protein, with a “good mix” of fruit and vegetables.