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When Gold Coast local Josh began feeling unwell while exploring Rio de Janeiro, diabetes was the last thing on his mind.
At 26 years old, he considered himself healthy, active and fit. But over several weeks, he became increasingly thirsty, fatigued and unwell, drinking up to eight litres of water a day as his health rapidly deteriorated.
Because Type 1 diabetes is often associated with childhood diagnosis, neither Josh nor those around him initially suspected the condition. It was only after a nurse at the mining site where he was working performed a simple urine test that the seriousness of his situation became clear.
Within days, Josh was back on the Gold Coast and admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) for urgent treatment.
His experience highlights an important message for World Diabetes Day - Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, and recognising the warning signs early can be lifesaving.
"If you're dehydrated, craving food and losing weight, those are massive symptoms," Josh said.
"Doctors might not actually pick it up. You might need to tell them, 'Is this a thing?'"
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, it is not influenced by lifestyle choices and currently has no cure.
Management of the condition includes taking insulin up to 6 times each day and monitoring blood sugar levels.
For Josh, the diagnosis was a shock.
"I never would have thought I had diabetes,” Josh said.
“Before the diagnosis, I took pride in my invincibility when it came to my health."
"You're a fully normal person until it appears."
While treatment quickly improved his physical health, he soon discovered another side of diabetes that many people don't see.
"It's more mental energy than you’d think," he said.
"I describe it like having a baby that no one else can see, because you're constantly thinking about and checking on this thing."
Every meal, exercise session and daily activity requires planning and consideration. Blood glucose levels must be monitored, insulin doses carefully calculated, and decisions constantly adjusted throughout the day.
Yet from the outside, those living with Type 1 diabetes often appear unaffected.
"If you're doing your job right, no-one can see the endless game of chicken you play to not die," Josh said.
People have often heard things about diabetes but aren’t always aware of the lesser-known Type 1.
"Some people just automatically assume you brought it on yourself,” Josh said.
“Others ask, ‘how do you have diabetes? You're not even overweight!’
“There are a lot of misconceptions about it.”
Two years after his diagnosis, Josh continues to live an active life, enjoying surfing, running and tennis while managing his invisible baby, with regular appointments with his Endocrinologist Dr Jessica Triay.
“Dr Jess and the rest of the GCUH team are amazing at taking you through the journey," Josh said.
Determined to give back, Josh is also participating in an international diabetes research trial at GCUH, motivated by a desire to improve outcomes for future generations.
"All these people before me have made my life way easier with their research," he said.
"The least I can do is get involved in some research to help my future kids and other unfortunate souls."
By sharing his story, Josh hopes more people will recognise the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, seek help early and better understand the unseen challenges faced by those living with the condition every day.
"People don't realise how common it is, but there’s a lot of us out there," he said.