James Norton teases he COULD return to Grantchester
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in November 2010, James Norton has since become an ambassador for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes? “I have to inject every time I eat carbohydrates – up to 15 times a day, with 5mm needles you use discreetly,” James told The Times. The 35-year-old continued: “Also, I have this device called a Dexcom, a subcutaneous glucose monitor.
“[It] Bluetooths my phone and tells me what my sugars are. Before, I had to draw blood from my finger.”
Speaking about his condition, James certified: “Being diabetic does not hold you back.
“It’d never hamper me, for example, in regards to any role, particularly physically.”
Since War & Peace, James has featured in Black Mirror, McMafia and Little Women.
Type 1 diabetes
The charity Diabetes UK explained type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
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The autoimmune condition causes the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas to be destroyed.
As a result, the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose (i.e. sugar) levels.
The loss of insulin production means regular insulin administration is needed.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
- Above average thirst
- Tiredness during the day
- Needing to pee regularly
- Unexplained weight loss
- Genital itchiness
Those diagnosed with the condition after the age of 35 may hear the condition be called “latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood”.
What causes the faulty immune system is yet to be understood, however research suggests both the environment and genes play a part.
“To date, the strongest evidence points towards a virus as being the most likely trigger,” said Diabetes UK.
Type 1 diabetes can be confirmed by a blood test carried out by a medical professional.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain blood glucose control.
These lifestyle factors can help to minimise the risk of long-term diabetes complications.
However, they can’t reverse the disease or eliminate the need for insulin.
This is why people with type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin everyday.
Without treatment, type 1 diabetes can lead to heart disease, a stroke, retinopathy, kidney disease and neuropathy.
Maintaining good glucose control can reduce a person’s risk of developing serious complications.
James told JDRF that “managing the condition is a challenge”, but he hasn’t let it get in his way.
James Norton will be on BBC One’s The Graham Norton Show, Friday January 22 at 10.45pm.
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