KICPod15 Jul 2025

The reality of living with Type-1 diabetes & waiting for an organ transplant - with Rechelle Coombes

Rechelle Coombes was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes when she was 12. In her teens and early 20’s, Rechelle developed diabulimia (an eating disorder where diabetics restrict themselves of insulin) which landed her in hospital many times. As Rechelle got her diagnosis under control, Rechelle learned her kidneys were failing, which now means she is on the waiting list for a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant.

In this episode we speak with Rechelle about the differences between Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, the misconceptions and stigma surrounding both, everything that led up to the point of Rechelle needing an organ transplant, and how she is using her experience to give back.

We want to thank Rechelle for being so open <3

GET HELP

In the episode we talk about disordered eating. If you need support - you can contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 8am – midnight (AEST) 7 days a week.

FIND OUT MORE

This week is National Diabetes Week. You can learn more here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/national-diabetes-week/

1 in 20 Australians has diabetes - making it the fastest growing chronic condition in the country.

Rechelle is currently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant

Less than 2% of deaths in Australian hospitals occur in a way that organ donation is possible

It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor at www.donatelife.gov.au/kicpod or through your Medicare account.

Rechelle founded Unitely - a support platform for people living with chronic illness https://www.unitely.com.au/

FOLLOW US

KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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