Hello! 

I've had type 1 diabetes for exactly 10 years this year...It was a shock to find out that I'd have to constantly monitor my blood sugar levels and inject insulin daily, to keep me alive for the rest of my life.

In medical terms, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes insulin producing cells in your pancreas to be destroyed. This prevents your own body from regulating your blood sugar levels, meaning having to do it yourself. A type 1 diabetic has to know how many carbohydrates are in any food or drink they're having, so they know how much insulin to inject. Plus take into account how active they're being, as exercise decreases the amount of insulin the body needs. It's a hard balancing act!

A lot of people I know did the Great North Run last year and I was inspired to take part this year, to 'celebrate' having Diabetes for 10 years! Completing the GNR is going to be an experience as not only do I have to complete the 13.1 mile course, I have to manage my blood sugar whilst I do it!

I've chosen to run on behalf of Diabetes UK to support and help people like myself, living with this disease. They campaign for better and more modern treatments and fund life-changing research into care and treatment.

Thank you so much!  

Helen

x