🏉 Exciting news from the rugby world as Henry Slade, the talented England and Exeter player, kicks off a new campaign to bust myths about Type 1 diabetes! Diagnosed at just 18, Henry knows the ups and downs of living with this condition. From early morning decisions to pre-match insulin injections, every day is a battle—and he’s taking that fight public with the “Tackle Diabetes” campaign in partnership with Sanofi.
Henry, whose own dad also has Type 1 diabetes, recalls the whirlwind of being diagnosed right before his A-levels and the start of his professional rugby career. It hasn’t been easy, but with tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and being meticulous about his insulin shots, he hasn’t let diabetes hold him back. đź’Ş
He shares how shocking it is that more than 400,000 people live with Type 1 diabetes in the UK and that many misconceptions linger about the condition. Contrary to popular belief, Type 1 is an autoimmune condition and not caused by lifestyle choices. Do you know someone who might still think it’s all about sugar and diet? Let’s change that narrative together.
Early detection is crucial and, although it’s not yet widely available on the NHS, groundbreaking studies are underway. These efforts might soon make it easier for people to catch the disease early, potentially saving lives and preventing complications.
Henry’s message is clear: manage your levels, keep pushing limits, and never let diabetes stop you from chasing your dreams. Want to support and learn more about this cause? Check out resources like nhs.uk, elsadiabetes.nhs.uk, and t1dra.bristol.ac.uk to get involved. 🌟
Let’s drive awareness, foster understanding, and tackle diabetes head-on! #TackleDiabetes #RugbyStrong #Type1DiabetesAwareness