An 80-year-old man with Type 1 diabetes from Painswick, Gloucestershire helped Diabetes UK to a world record in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon in June.
Anthony Fisher was one of a team of 60 runners with the condition to complete this year's Swansea Half Marathon, helping us into the record books for the most number of people with Type 1 diabetes to run a half marathon.
Anthony, a retired businessman, was diagnosed more than 40 years ago in 1977. Since then he's run over 70 half marathons, as well as the London Marathon in 1991, aged 53. He runs in order to show others with the condition that it should not stop them from being active and enjoying exercise, as well as the difference that diabetes technology can make.
Anthony said, “When I was diagnosed, it was a real shock. My children were only five and eight years old at the time, the same ages that my sister and I were when our father passed away. I was determined to be around for my children, and my wife, Liz. I became obsessed with my blood sugars and radically changed my diet to help with my diabetes control.”
A keen cross-country runner as a child, Anthony rediscovered his enthusiasm for the sport soon after he was diagnosed. Anthony continued, “People were becoming more aware of the benefits of exercise for people with Type 1 diabetes. Running was something I could fit around my family life and running my own business.”
Over the years, technology has transformed the way Anthony manages his condition. Anthony uses a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a small device worn just under the skin. It measures blood glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night and alerts the wearer when they are too high or too low.
Anthony connects his CGM to a watch, enabling him to monitor his blood glucose levels in real time. He is passionate about raising awareness of the technology available so that others with Type 1 can benefit.
He continued: “This technology can have a huge impact on quality of life for people with Type 1 diabetes, and is starting to become more affordable, too.”
For more information about diabetes technology, go to Anthony’s website.
