VITAL STATS
Name? Adrian Connard (Acey)
How old are you? 27
Where do you live? Melbourne, Victoria
What do you do? Application Engineer for a Software Reseller. But I’m a Mechanical Engineer at heart

Anything to declare? My love-hate relationship with nacho cheese corn chips. I’m allergic to them, but they taste..so..good! Also, I hate Ditch Davey from Police Files Unlocked. I don’t know why, he’s probably a great guy, but I do.

MORE ABOUT YOU
A few words about yourself?
I love figuring out how things work. Not just machines, but systems, people, workplaces. I’m a big picture kinda guy. I get bored with details pretty quickly.

Where were you born and raised? South Eastern ‘burbs of Melbourne.

Favourite piece of music? I’ve been in an Aussie mood for the past couple of months. Augie March, Bernard Fanning, John Butler Trio. If I find a band from Sydney and Adelaide, I’ll have all the state capitals covered!

What makes you laugh? Other people laughing.

Your greatest achievement? Winning the state fencing championships the year I was diagnosed. It had been a goal of mine for a very long time (The state champs, not the diabetes) and when I was diagnosed halfway through the fencing season I was devastated. I didn’t think I would be able to continue training, let alone competing.

Goals for the next year? To have goals for the next year. I’m not much of a goals- person.

If you could have three wishes, what would they be?
1. Stronger Communities. We’re too much of an individualistic society.
2. A better memory. Mine gets me into so much trouble. And out of it too, I admit. But mostly in.
3. The ability to control time. That would be cool.


ME AND THE BIG D
How long ago were you diagnosed with Diabetes? It feels like yesterday, but I was 24. Still got my L plates, I guess.

What does a hypo feel like? A combination of being drunk and something really scary happening just a few moments ago. Imagine stepping out onto a road and a big truck screaming past: heart racing, hands shaky.

Best/worst/most embarrassing hypo? I don’t remember any. Which means I either haven’t had any, or my poor memory has come to the rescue.

Does everyone around you know about your D? Anyone who’s interested. I don’t go out of my way to tell people, but I don’t hide it either.

What do you say/do to the food police? Ignore them. It really is bliss.

Are you a Person with Diabetes or a Diabetic? I have diabetes. It's mine, you can't have it.

Public injections - what's the etiquette? If I’m out with a friend who has a problem with needles, I’ll warn them to look away while I inject, but otherwise I’m as discreet as practical. I don’t wave the needle around, but I don’t duck off to the toilet either.

Any wisdom to share? No, I need every bit I’ve got.