Maxine McMahon is one of Australia’s long living Type One Diabetics – how she manages her health at age 86
FIVE QUESTIONS is where we ask members of the community to talk about how they stay HEALTHY. Maxine McMahon, who lives in the city CBD, is one of Australia’s longest living ‘Type One’ diabetics. She was diagnosed with diabetes at 22 and is now at 86. She shared this:
1. What did you eat yesterday?
I had oats for breakfast, then Chinese noodles, chicken and vegetables for lunch and then my granddaughter who is a chef and lives with me, left me meat balls and vegetables for dinner and yoghurt for dessert. She’s an exceptional chef and worked in England for 13 years.
2. What exercise did you do yesterday?
I walked a lot as I always do.
3. When did you last see a primary health professional?
I often see the doctor because of my diabetes. I listen to the doctor and do exactly what they tell me I should do to stay healthy. I think that’s why I’m here. Occasionally I take too much insulin and have a hypo, or not enough insulin, either of which can result with me going to hospital – mostly St Vincents in Darlinghurst. But generally I if I have too much insulin, causing a hypo, I have a sweet drink and I feel fine.
4. What do you do to improve your mental health?
I like to keep a routine. I go to mass (St Mary’s Cathedral) every day, my daughter calls me at 6pm every day to check on me, I live with my granddaughter and I enjoy walking. Most of my friends have already passed away but I still have my sister in Newcastle. I keep my husband, Newton’s ashes with me. We met in Kindertgarden in St Mary’s and I married him when I was 18 and had two children. Lucky I only wanted two children because I was diagnosed with cancer when the children were young so I didn’t have more. We had a wonderful life together and we have six grandchildren. We travelled around the world. At first we were as poor as church mice. But Newton started selling Aston Martin’s and Rolls Royce’s and thing turned out very well for us.
5. What are your health goals for the next month?
I want to stay healthy and as independent as possible.
Health Referral Forms
Error: Contact form not found.
Media release: Bloodborne virus risk for patients of dental practice in Strathfield Media release from…
Read MoreImmunisation Weekly Update: FluMist program – Ends June 2026 Flu Checker Tool Yellow fever guidelines updated Measles alert for…
Read MoreImmunisation Weekly Update: Eight vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia Introduction of AIR…
Read MoreCESPHN Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist Transition Grants Program Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Healthcare Network…
Read More
Immunisation Weekly Update: FluMist program – Ends June 2026 Flu Checker Tool Yellow fever guidelines updated Measles alert for Sutherland Shire Education FluMist program – Ends June 2026 In NSW, FluMist nasal spray influenza vaccine is free for children aged 2, 3 or 4 years old as part of the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program. The FluMist nasal spray will only be available until June 2026. Clinicians should strongly encourage FluMist vaccination for all eligible children. Influenza can cause serious…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Eight vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia Introduction of AIR due and overdue rules for influenza Poliovirus found in wastewater in Western Australia Vaccination is the best preparation: childhood and winter resources Education Eight vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia Gavi has reported that a number of large observational…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Re-emergence of diphtheria – ensure your patients are vaccinated World Immunisation Week Co-administration of influenza and pertussis vaccination safe during pregnancy Education Re-emergence of diphtheria – ensure your patients are vaccinated The Australian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) have issued a statement warning about the re-emergence of respiratory diphtheria, and…
Immunisation Weekly Update: RSV vaccine now free for older adults FluMist® nasal spray vaccine For every generation, vaccines work – World Immunisation Week 2026 influenza coverage data Personalised vaccination schedule tool for parents Education RSV vaccine now free for older adults From May 15, adults aged 75 and over can…
