Diabetes Singapore – Women of Strength

Table of Contents

1. Phyllis
2. Charlotte
3. Fion Phua
4. Yu Tong
5. Dr Daphne Gardner
6. Carmen
7. Aslena
8. Julie Seow

1. Phyllis

1. Short Introduction 
   Hi, I’m Phyllis — mummy to two happy kids. I document my diabetes caregiving journey on @PhyllingPhyne on Instagram and TikTok. 

2. Loved One’s Journey with Diabetes 
   My 3-year-old son has been living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) since he was 17 months old. He has been on a continuous glucose monitor since diagnosis and has been using an insulin pump for the past 1.5 years. 

3. What I’ve Learned 
   Managing diabetes is a 24/7 process. There are more than 100 decisions we make every day to manage blood glucose levels — from when to eat, when to administer insulin, what to eat before exercising, and what type of carbohydrates to consume when blood glucose goes low. 

4. A Challenging Moment 
   A tough period was when I had to go to his preschool 4 to 5 times a day. Besides drop-off and pick-up, I had to return before lunch, milk time, and afternoon tea to administer insulin injections. This meant he often had to be pulled away from classroom activities. As his teachers were understandably reluctant to administer injections, we explored alternative options. My husband and I evaluated insulin pumps and eventually chose a tubeless pump (Omnipod). With our guidance, his teachers were able to administer insulin discreetly. This eased my caregiving burden and allowed him to enjoy a more “regular” childhood alongside his peers. 

5. Life Motto 
   “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” 
   While many things are beyond my control, I choose to stay optimistic and focus on finding solutions. 

6. Woman I Look Up To 
   Rosa Parks — for her courage to challenge the status quo and fight for equality. 

7. Message for IWD 
   It is okay to ask for help. Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey — whether emotional support, sharing resources, or decision-making, speak up if you need a hand. 

2. Charlotte

1. Short Introduction 
   Hi, I’m Charlotte. I work in the professional services industry and serve as Assistant Honorary Treasurer at Diabetes Singapore. I believe in using our skills to uplift others — because to me, health is true wealth. 

2. Volunteering Journey 
   My journey began from a desire to contribute to a cause that impacts many families. Through events, I’ve met individuals living with diabetes and caregivers whose quiet resilience deeply inspires me. 

3. A Challenging Moment 
   Navigating a major career transition tested my confidence. It taught me that resilience isn’t about not feeling fear — it’s about choosing to move forward despite it. 

4. Life Motto 
   “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” 
   We may not control everything, but we can choose courage, growth and grace. 

5. Woman I Look Up To 
   My grandmother, who raised my siblings and me with unwavering dedication. Even at 94, she continues to take care of her health. Her strength is quiet but extraordinary. 

6. Message for IWD 
   To every woman living with or caring for someone with diabetes — your strength matters. Your courage and persistence speak louder than words. You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone. 💙 

3. Fion Phua

1. Short Introduction 
   My name is Fion Phua, founder of Tee Up Marketing Enterprises. I am also passionate about community service through Keeping Hope Alive, supporting families in need. 

2. Diabetes Journey 
   Living with diabetes has been a journey of awareness, discipline and acceptance. Over time, it has affected my vision. While it was frightening at first, I chose to face it with courage and adapt, reminding myself that life still holds meaning. 

3. A Challenging Moment 
   Experiencing vision loss brought fear and uncertainty. With support from family and friends, I learned to accept the situation and move forward step by step, living with purpose. 

4. Life Motto 
   “Be yourself. Live life fully. Leave no regrets.” 
   Every day is a gift — choose courage, gratitude and kindness. 

5. Woman I Look Up To 
   Women who quietly give their strength to others — mothers, caregivers and volunteers. 

6. Message for IWD 
   Do not lose hope. Diabetes does not define you. With courage and a positive mindset, you can live a meaningful life. Even if my vision fades, my hope and purpose remain clear. 💙 

4. Yu Tong

1. Short Introduction 
   I’m Yu Tong, turning 23 this year. I enjoy photography, videography, baking, and sports. 

2. Diabetes Journey 
   I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 2.5 years old. This year marks my 22nd year living with diabetes. I’ve transitioned from injections to an insulin pump, and now use a closed-loop system. 

3. A Challenging Moment 
   There isn’t one single moment — it’s a daily challenge. Managing diabetes requires constant awareness. Sometimes it’s not about overcoming it, but learning to embrace it. 

4. Life Motto 
   Live without regrets. Everything happens for a reason, and I choose to focus on the brighter side. 

5. Woman I Look Up To 
   My mum — my superwoman who balances everything and inspires me to do my best. 

6. Advice to Younger Self 
   Even if it doesn’t feel easier, you are strong enough to face every challenge. 

7. Message for IWD 
   Embrace the journey and keep going. You are not alone. 

5. Dr Daphne Gardner

1. Short Introduction 
   I am Dr Daphne Gardner, a consultant endocrinologist specialising in young adult diabetes. I studied at Oxford University and have been running young adult diabetes services since 2011. 

2. Journey with Diabetes Singapore 
   I joined Diabetes Singapore in 2018. Together with others, we founded typeOne.sg, now a thriving community with over 650 members. We have organised educational events, workshops, and resources, improving awareness and access to diabetes care. Singapore is now the only Southeast Asian country with reimbursement for insulin pumps and CGM. 

3. Life Perspective 
   Life will always have challenges. What matters is focusing on solutions and what we can control. 

4. Woman I Look Up To 
   There are many incredible women. Women often balance multiple roles while showing empathy, strength and resilience. 

5. Message for IWD 
   Much of your effort may go unseen, but it matters. Stay strong and never be afraid to reach out when you need support. 

6. Carmen

1. Short Introduction 
   I am a full-time professional, part-time lecturer, and a proud cat, hamster and plant mum. Most importantly, I am a diabetes advocate and the “pancreas” for my 4-year-old son with Type 1 Diabetes. 

2. Loved One’s Journey 
   My son was diagnosed at 18 months — he learnt to say “insulin” before “elephant”! Diabetes technology is essential in managing his daily life safely. 

3. What I’ve Learned 
   It takes resilience, planning and communication to help him enjoy his childhood. This journey has shown us strength we never knew we had. 

4. A Challenging Moment 
   At a trampoline park, we had to carefully manage his blood sugar. With planning and support, we succeeded — it felt like winning the Olympics. 

5. Life Motto 
   “Do hard things.” Living with diabetes is hard but not impossible. 

6. Woman I Look Up To 
   Jane Goodall — for her courage, compassion and lifelong advocacy. 

7. Message for IWD 
   Diabetes is an ultramarathon. Pace yourself, give yourself grace, and lean on your support system. 

7. Aslena

1. Short Introduction 
   My passion for nursing began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother. For over 20 years, I have worked as a Diabetes Nurse and Educator, balancing work, family and volunteering. 

2. Journey with Diabetes Singapore 
   Since 2001, I’ve learned that diabetes care is deeply human — about dignity, trust and compassion. The greatest lessons come from patients and their families. 

3. A Challenging Moment 
   Supporting a patient during Ramadan required empathy and balance. Through education and trust, he was able to fast safely — transforming fear into empowerment. 

4. Life Motto 
   “People will forget what you said… but never how you made them feel.” 
   Compassion defines impact. 

5. Woman I Look Up To 
   Professor Trisha Dunning — for her leadership, kindness and mentorship. 

6. Message for IWD 
   Your strength may be quiet, but it is profound. You are not alone — this journey is one we walk together. 

8. Julie Seow

1. Short Introduction 
   I have lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 43 years, diagnosed just 2 months before my wedding. Today, I enjoy a happy retirement with my family and grandchildren. 

2. Diabetes Journey 
   I look back with wonder — every anniversary marks another year of living with diabetes. 

3. A Challenging Moment 
   During my first pregnancy, my daughter faced respiratory distress and was admitted to ICU. Through faith and support, she recovered and grew strong. My second pregnancy — twins — was another journey of faith. 

4. Advice to Younger Self 
   Don’t let diabetes stop you. Take risks and live fully. 

5. Message for IWD 
   You are stronger and braver than you think. Share your story and inspire others. 💙