Do you know someone with diabetes? With type 1 diabetes affecting 1 in 200 Australians, chances are that one of your Facebook friends is managing their way through this condition. Social media is one thing, but why not get real-life-social with the Diabetes ACT 2015 Cocktail Reception to raise awareness and necessary funds for their network.

For those not aware of what diabetes actually is, it is an autoimmune condition. The pancreas cannot produce insulin because the cells that make this hormone have been destroyed by the body’s own immune system… and it can happen to anyone – with 80 per cent of people living with type 1 diabetes having no family history of the condition whatsoever.

It all sounds like bad news, however it’s not all bad. Many people with diabetes adjust to the condition and successfully manage it through their day-today lives. That’s probably why you think you don’t know anyone with the disease, but you probably do…

We talked to Latoya Maddigan, of Eighty8 Fitness, who has had diabetes since the age of 17 about her experiences. While most of us might dread the thought of having to inject insulin five times a day, it’s part of the routine for Latoya.

“Living with diabetes isn’t easy, but there’s some really great information and support out there. Organisations like Diabetes ACT are great at helping people like me to remember that the condition doesn’t have to rule your life and get in the way of things you love to do – exercise, parties – that we live in an age where diabetes can be managed and the majority of sufferers do live long and productive lives.”

So…. to the delicious drinks…

Friday March 20 is the date for the prestigious Diabetes ACT 2015 Cocktail Reception. Unwind on a Friday evening within the beautiful space of the National Museum of Australia along with live street performances and delicious delights.

Tickets are $95.00 per person and include elegant roving canapés, stunning dessert buffets, a Pure Gelato cart, gourmet Gippsland cheeses and sparking wine and beer with special thanks to Diabetes ACT website