James and Fiona will be taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 12th of April.

Together we are raising money for Diabetes UK.

On the 11th of June 2022 James was admitted to hospital and soon diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

After losing 4 stone in weight, being constantly thirsty, weeing all the time and being relentlessly tired he ended up very unwell.

Just 8% of those with diabetes are type 1.

This means the body no longer produces the essential hormone insulin. Insulin allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. Without it the glucose levels build and can cause many serious complications.

Type 1 is not like the more commonly known type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition, it is NOT reversible, it is NOT controlled by diet. James does not have to avoid all sugar, in fact a handful of jelly babies can save his life.

❓️What does this mean day to day with type 1?

James has to inject himself with insulin at least 4 times a day, every day, it is often more. And he will have to do this for the rest of his life. He has to monitor his glucose levels each day and calculate his insulin doses based on what he is going to eat and drink every meal time.

➕️On the positive side?

Diabetes UK and many others help improve day to day life with essential research. The technology to aid the management of diabetes is progressing all the time. James wears a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) device which allows him to monitor his glucose levels constantly using his phone. This means when his sugar levels are too low, whether it is day or night an alarm will sound and he knows to have some sweets/sugar. He is currently on the waiting list for a pump too, which would mean less injections and the insulin being pump as and when needed helping keep sugar levels more balanced.

🙏To aid this research further and to help us cross the finish line on the 12th of April we would be very grateful for any donation you can make.

Thank you for taking the time to ready our story.

James and Fiona xxx