Living with Type 1 diabetes can sometimes feel like a unique journey, but you’re not alone! There are many amazing and accomplished individuals in the UK who have faced the challenges of Type 1 diabetes and have gone on to achieve incredible things. Let’s explore some of these inspiring figures who prove that having diabetes doesn’t stop you from reaching for the stars.
1. Nick Jonas
- Profession: Singer, Actor
- Summary: Nick Jonas, part of the globally renowned band the Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13. He hasn’t let diabetes hold him back and has continued to excel in his music career. Nick is not only a talented musician but also an advocate for diabetes awareness.
2. Sir Steve Redgrave
- Profession: Retired Olympic Rower
- Summary: Sir Steve Redgrave is a British sporting legend, having won gold medals in five consecutive Olympic Games as a rower. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1997 but continued to compete and excel in his sport. Sir Redgrave’s story is a testament to the fact that with proper management, individuals with diabetes can achieve greatness in sports.
3. Alexander Zverev
- Profession: Professional Tennis Player
- Summary: Alexander Zverev, the tennis prodigy, and two-time Olympic medalist was diagnosed at the age of 3. He has started the Alexander Zverev Foundation to provide insulin and other medication to children with diabetes.
4. Ed Gamble
- Profession: Comedian, Podcast Host
- Summary: Ed was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just 13-years-old. He now addresses his condition in his live performances and even turned it into a comedy show, with his stand-up tour being called Blood Sugar!
5. Jeremy Irvine
- Profession: Actor
- Summary: Jeremy was diagnosed at the age of 6 and is now involved with Medtronic’s to raise awareness and help people get a better understanding of it. Where he said: “Living with type 1 diabetes is like doing everything you do while keeping a balloon in the air.”
6. Amelia Lily
- Profession: Pop Singer
- Summary: Amelia was diagnosed at the age of 3. She is an English singer and television personality. In 2011, she became a finalist on the eighth series of The X Factor, where she finished in third place. In 2017, she finished as runner-up on the twentieth series of Celebrity Big Brother. In 2020, she began appearing in the MTV reality series Geordie Shore.
7. Henry Slade
- Profession: England Rugby Union Player
- Summary: Henry Slade, developed Type 1 diabetes at the age of 18 – but doesn’t let it affect his performance on the pitch. Fortunately, Slade was told his rugby career would not be jeopardised, providing he was able to control his diabetes.
8. James Norton
- Profession: Actor
- Summary: James Norton once revealed that whilst playing one of his lead roles, he relied on glucose shots and hidden food on stage to control his blood sugar levels throughout the demanding three-and-a-half-hour show.
9. Barney Storey
- Profession: Professional Cyclist
- Summary: Barney was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 4. His parents were very much responsible for not allowing this to be any barrier when it came to sport. He has a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) certificate which allows him to compete in international cycling events, so if insulin is registered in a test sample, it is totally legal.
10. Theresa May
- Profession: MP, Former Prime Minister
- Summary: Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013, is an Ambassador for JDRF’s global research programme. Taking up the role in April 2020, Mrs May said that since her own diagnosis, she has “seen the progress JDRF’s international research programme has made.”
