When a teenager hears the words “type 1 diabetes,” it can feel like life has split into a clear “before” and “after.” For Sebastian Harris, discovery came in an unusually quiet and almost accidental way, yet it has led to unexpected adventures, meaningful work, and a powerful platform to talk about the human side of life with type 1 diabetes.

Sebastian already knew what type 1 diabetes looked like in day-to-day life. His younger brother had been diagnosed earlier, so blood glucose meters and insulin were familiar. One afternoon, while helping his mum sew buttons on a shirt, he pricked his finger by mistake. Instead of brushing it off, they reached for his brother’s blood glucose meter and decided to check his level. The reading flashed 14.5. Sebastian immediately recognised what that number likely meant.

He was not feeling unwell. He had not landed in hospital with a crisis. Instead, he describes it as a rare and almost miraculous find, a quiet confirmation rather than a dramatic emergency. No one wishes for type 1 diabetes, yet Sebastian’s first thought was that this was something he could manage. That mindset became a foundation for how he would carry diabetes forward into every corner of his life.

A key figure in that process was David, his diabetes educator at Gold Coast University Hospital. Sebastian credits David with helping him understand a simple but vital truth. He would not be perfect at managing diabetes all the time, but he could still do well overall. Learning to accept this realistic view of type 1 diabetes management allowed him to live life more fully without chasing impossible perfection. It helped him see that numbers and readings are part of his reality, not the entirety of his identity.

With that perspective, Sebastian has chosen to live broadly and curiously. He is a Research Associate and Honours student at the University of New England, exploring ancient and medieval coinage and archaeology. At first glance, this might seem worlds away from conversations about blood glucose levels and insulin doses, yet his fascination with small details and big stories carries through both. Coins, he notes, are seemingly ordinary objects that hold incredible detail on their two faces. Those tiny images and marks invite questions such as who might have held the coin and what kind of world they lived in.

Beyond his academic research, Sebastian invests his energy in photography, travel, and time with family and friends. He looks for every opportunity to learn, explore, and understand, whether that is through a camera lens, an archaeological question, or a conversation with someone who shares his diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes has not closed those doors. It has simply required more planning, greater awareness, and a willingness to adapt.

At a certain point, Sebastian felt a pull toward something more public. He wanted to reach out to other young people who had recently been diagnosed, especially those who might feel overwhelmed or alone. That impulse led him to connect with Diabetes Australia and become an ambassador. When the chance came to co-host the Life on the Level podcast with Isabella Magee, he jumped at it.

For Sebastian, the podcast was never just about information or clinical detail. His passion lies in the human side of diabetes. He wanted to hear and share what people with diabetes feel, how they navigate burnout, and what helps them through everyday challenges. Managing type 1 diabetes often involves routines, supplies, and constant monitoring, yet emotional experiences like loneliness or worry can be equally significant. Life on the Level became a place where those realities could be voiced openly.

In the first season, Sebastian and Isabella focused on their own conversations. They discussed a wide range of topics related to living with type 1 diabetes, sometimes discovering that they saw things quite differently despite sharing a diagnosis. Their differing perspectives gave listeners permission to understand that there is no single “right” way to experience diabetes. As the podcast evolved into its next season, they began inviting other people into the discussion.

Bringing in more voices revealed patterns. Many guests spoke about similar experiences of burnout, frustration, or feeling set apart from others who do not have to think about blood glucose levels. At the same time, their stories highlighted possibility and resilience. Sebastian hopes listeners notice both. Despite the shared challenges, living with type 1 diabetes can open doors that might never have appeared otherwise. In his own life, it has led to conferences, travel opportunities, and the podcast itself.

Underlying Life on the Level is a central idea. People with diabetes may have to pay close attention to their blood glucose levels, yet their identity and sense of fulfilment extend far beyond any meter reading. The podcast aims to show how many individuals use diabetes as a point of strength, whether through advocacy, creativity, sport, research, or community building. These stories might have gone unheard without a dedicated platform where people can speak honestly about both their struggles and their successes.

Recording each episode has an ongoing impact on Sebastian. He describes himself as a deep thinker, and conversations often stay with him long after the microphones are turned off. He reflects on what guests have shared or explores topics further through reading and research. Sometimes his perspective shifts, influenced by someone else’s approach to a familiar issue like anxiety, technology, or daily routines.

Looking ahead, Sebastian already has ideas for future episodes. One of his hopes is to have his brother join as a guest. He describes his brother as one of the strongest people he knows, and their shared experience of type 1 diabetes would bring a powerful sibling dimension to the show. He would also like to sit down for a one-on-one conversation with another man about life with diabetes, making space for honest discussion of topics that are sometimes left unspoken. In addition, he is keen to explore research about living with diabetes, including how anxiety and mental health intersect with long-term management.

For anyone newly diagnosed or simply looking for connection, Life on the Level offers a rich collection of voices and stories. The podcast covers everything from first diagnosis to practical daily hacks, from moments of burnout to surprising breakthroughs. Nothing is off limits, and that openness can be especially meaningful for listeners who want to hear from people who “get it” on a personal level. Episodes are available on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and YouTube Music.

Sebastian’s story illustrates that type 1 diabetes can be both a serious health condition and a starting point for unexpected opportunities. With realistic support, a willingness to prepare and adapt, and spaces to share the emotional side of the journey, many people find ways not only to cope but to thrive. The details of one teenager’s quiet diagnosis, a chance finger prick, and a blood glucose reading of 14.5 have grown into a life filled with research, creativity, connection, and a podcast that reminds listeners that they are much more than their numbers.

Read more at https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/blog/life-on-the-level-sebastian-harris-host/