Share your story

We are delighted to be chosen as Tesco’s National Charity Partner. We know everyone who fundraises for us has their own reasons for doing so – whether you or a loved one has diabetes, whether you are taking part in memory or celebration of someone, or whether touched by our cause.

We would like you to share your stories to inspire and motivate others to fundraise, and to spread awareness of the condition and how it can affect lives all over the UK. We’d love to hear from you: contact the Tesco Hotline, or email us on tesco@diabetes.org.uk to share your story.

Meet some of our inspirational supporters from Tesco and find out their stories:

Jan, Customer Assistant – Bakery – Tesco Harlow Metro

This is Jan and she has worked for Tesco for more than 23 years. Four years ago, she suffered the shock of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Jan’s diagnosis came at a time when she was already battling cancer. Although the signs of diabetes were present, Jan had put this down to side effects of her chemotherapy.

It wasn’t until a routine test as part of her cancer treatment showed a very high blood glucose level, that she was diagnosed with the condition.

It wasn’t the first time Jan and her family had faced diabetes: Jan’s mother also has Type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Jan has experienced first-hand the devastating complications diabetes can bring, as her mum was registered blind last year.

Since being diagnosed, Jan has taken great steps to change her lifestyle so she can manage her condition and avoid complications. She has altered her diet and now knows the best foods to eat to stay healthy. A keen walker, Jan also does regular physical exercise and has lost three stone since being diagnosed.

Jan says, "My diabetes diagnosis gave me a real shock and I realised I had to start looking after myself. I’m really glad Tesco are supporting Diabetes UK because together we can get the message out there and educate people that lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. And for those who already have it, let them know that it is something that can be managed, and you can lead a normal life."

Further information about the diagnosis and management of Type 2 diabetes.

Jessica, Customer Assistant – Counters – Tesco Harrow Superstore

This is Jessica. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in August 2012 after experiencing weight loss, extreme thirst and severe exhaustion. After initially putting the symptoms down to stress, Jessica eventually went to the doctors when she became really worried about what was happening to her.

She was given a blood test by her doctor and immediately sent to hospital where she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

A few months on, Jessica is now learning to manage her condition, and is working out how to make diabetes a part of her daily life, without letting it take control.

Jessica says, "When I was diagnosed, I cried for about two hours. I was shocked by my diagnosis, but at the same time relieved that I finally had an answer to what was happening to me.

"At the beginning I was having hypos nearly every day, usually twice a day, as I wasn’t used to controlling my glucose levels. Now I am getting used to my condition, working out what to eat and how to fit diabetes into my life, rather than letting it take over.

"I didn’t know the first thing about diabetes – I didn’t have a clue. Tesco and Diabetes UK can help to make people aware of the signs and symptoms from an early age. I think everyone getting together and helping one another will lead to more people like me understanding what Type 1 diabetes is, and how to cope with it. If this partnership can help someone like me when they are diagnosed, then that’s a great thing."

Further information about diagnosis and management of Type 1 diabetes.