On a sunny day in early June of 2022, I went for a blood test. I had been feeling ill for a while, but put it down to the training I was doing for a Half-Ironman. Little did I know, that day would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey.
A Half Ironman, or Ironman 70.3, is a 70.3-mile triathlon race comprising swimming, cycling, and running – each performed separately. It’s half the distance of a full Ironman race and includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.
The following day was the Queen’s Jubilee weekend, and my community was holding a street party. I joined in, but I felt so cold and thin. I couldn’t enjoy the festivities and ended up going home early.
The next day, I went for a walk in the Peak District, a place I love dearly. But something was off. I felt exhausted, thirsty, and cold. I tried to brush it off as a bad day, making the most of the sunshine; we never made it for a walk as all I could muster the energy for was to share a picnic. Fortunately we had gone in our campervan, so I had a nap!
For the next two days, I mostly slept and felt cold. I didn’t think much of it until I got a phone call from my doctor’s office, asking how quickly I could come in. I rushed there, and they immediately tested my blood glucose and ketones. I had never given these readings a second thought before.
The results were shocking. My blood glucose was 157mmol L (2,826dg ML), and my ketones were so high that the machine couldn’t give a reading. I was told to go to the hospital immediately.
My fiancée drove me there, and our girlfriend joined us as soon as possible. Sat in a busy NHS corridor, they took turns in keeping me company. The hospital confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes and started me on intravenous insulin.
I was admitted to the hospital and had to stay overnight. I was scared and overwhelmed. My life had changed in a matter of days. Type 1 Diabetes: at that time I had such a basic understanding of type 1 vs type 2 and naively thought that one was something you were born with and the other something you developed through poor diet and lack of exercise; something that definitely did not apply to me!
During my hospital stay, I experienced hourly finger prick tests, beeping machines, and a painful cannula/IV giving me something I would now rely on to keep me alive which, up until that point, I had never given a second thought to. The elderly patients on neighbouring beds added to my discomfort. I was starving but not sure what I was allowed to eat, and I couldn’t get any sleep. The combination of these factors made me feel very alone during this difficult time. I’ll never forget the old lady opposite me, giving the staff the run around; she tried to tell them she was allergic to ham at one point!
Looking back, I had many warning signs of diabetes, but I didn’t recognize them. I didn’t know what to look for or how to take care of myself.
Symptoms of Diabetes
◾Urinating often
◾Feeling very thirsty
◾Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
◾Extreme fatigue
◾Blurry vision
◾Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
◾Weight loss—even though you are eating more
◾Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
◾Sweet smelling breath
After my diagnosis, I had to learn everything about diabetes, from monitoring my blood sugar to adjusting my diet and taking medication. It was a steep learning curve, but I knew I had to take control of my health.
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor and get tested. Diabetes is manageable, but early detection and treatment are key.
I hope my story can encourage others to take their health seriously and seek help when they need it. You’re not alone, and you can overcome any challenge with the right mindset and support.