On 19th May 2022, we rushed our daughter Raffaella, who had just turned one, into A&E after finding her listless in her cot.

It was found that her glucose level was 1.8mmol, significantly below what they should have been (normal for her age is 3.5 - 7.0) and was immediately put on a glucose intravenous drip. Raffaella’s glucose levels returned to normal levels and after 5 days in hospital we were sent home.

A month later we were contacted by Royal London Hospital who had run tests on Raffaella’s blood having noticed high levels of insulin and asked us to bring Raffaella in for further testing. This led to staying at Royal London Hospital for 9 days and following numerous blood tests, fasts and glucose monitoring Raffaella was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinism - a rare condition whereby her body produces too much insulin. If untreated could lead to brain injury.

This had a huge impact on our lives and daily routine, meaning regular glucose monitoring (throughout the night for a number of months) and daily medication four times per day.

We’re thankful that Raffaella has continued to lead a normal life despite this condition but it is something that we have all had to learn to live with.

This amazing charity has been close to our hearts since Raffaella was diagnosed with hyperinsulinism, providing support for us and other families whilst helping raise awareness of this rare condition.

I wanted to find a way to raise some money for The Children’s Hyperinsulinism charity and so I’ll be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 8th along with some mates. I’ve realised fairly early into my training that I’m not a runner and with less than a month to go I’ve still only ever run 10k, so if you’re able to donate and help this charity out, as well as giving me an extra boost, then please do so, as it’ll be greatly appreciated!

Here’s a bit more on Hyperinsulinism and a links to the Children’s Hyperinsulinism Charity website:

https://www.hyperinsulinism.co.uk/

What is Congenital Hyperinsulinism?

Hyperinsulinism is the inappropriate and unregulated insulin secretion in relation to the blood glucose concentration. It is the main cause of recurrent and persistent hypoglycaemia in infancy and childhood and is a major cause of hypoglycaemic brain injury.

Hyperinsulinism affects between 1:30,000 and 1:40,000 babies in the UK and Ireland and a estimated global prevalence of 1:50,000).

It typically presents in the neonatal period, infancy and childhood.

It can be transient, persistent, mild or severe.