Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong infliction and affects around 8% of the UK population.

There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes, meaning that anyone suffering with the illness will be forced to make major changes in their life.

My nephew, Dylan, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in 2018. At the time he was only 8 years old and it was a huge change in his lifestyle.

JDRF helps people diagnosed with type 1 and they send out care packages containing books and a cuddly bear for children. They also help fund treatments and equipment for patients that makes living with the illness more manageable.

Chris Taylor first came to me with the idea of attempting the 3 peaks challenge early in April. I was interested by the idea but, I thought it should be done with a cause in mind. We went back and forth with different charities before I was reminded of the support from JDRF during Dylan's diagnosis. We decided that this was a worthy cause.

Preparation is underway and we are currently training for the challenge. We have planned to undergo this on 21st of August, with the intention of completing 22nd.

If diabetes has affected you or anyone close to you, JDRF is a great organisation that provides support where it matters.

If you can find any money to support their cause, please make a donation.

Included below is a summary of the events surrounding Dylan's diagnosis written by his mother, Victoria. It also offers some tips on how to look out for diabetes.

For those of us that don't know, Dylan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2018. This came on suddenly, from being a healthy 8 year old including playing football on Saturday to being admitted to hospital on the Monday. Most people, including ourselves at the time don't realise there are 2 types, Type 1 is an auto immune disease where the pancreas stops working. That can be triggered at any point. The pancreas is a small organ that controls your body's blood sugar levels after eating and exercise. This is a nasty disease that needs looking after 24/7. It involves regular testing of the sugars in the body through finger prick tests or, technology such as a continuous glucose meter (CGM). Before eating anything, after carrying out these tests, a complex calculation is carried out to work out how much insulin is needed. Dylan injects the insulin at least 4 times a day.

However Dylan enjoys playing football with all his friends and never lets the injections get in the way.

 
We received help from JDRF on our first night in hospital by receiving Rufas the bear and a pack with information, all based at the child's level. JDRF's aim is to find a cure for type one or, by researching into technologies to provide an easier way to live with this disease. They are currently developing amongst other technologies an artificial pancreas.

 
During the COVID pandemic I have read about an awful lot of children being diagnosed. If nothing else, look out for the signs:
*drinking more
*going to the toilet more
*weight loss
*sweet smell on the breath

Thanks very much for your support.