Glasgow dad Stephen explains why it is important people are aware of the tell-tale signs of diabetes and why he and his son Kyle, 16, who lives with type 1 diabetes, are taking part in Wellness Walk Glasgow 2024.
Kyle Buchanan was just 13 when a severe drop in weight and frequent thirst sparked concern with his parents.
After seeking medical advice, Moira and Stephen from South Nitshill, Glasgow decided to rush their son to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow - but his condition deteriorated rapidly on the way.
By the time they arrived, Kyle’s glucose levels were so high that he was unresponsive and had to be rushed into resuscitation.
Dad Stephen, 52, explained:
“Over the course of a short period we noticed Kyle had lost weight. I remember looking at him one morning and thinking something wasn’t right. We noticed he was drinking a lot more especially milk and then he began to feel sick. Kyle thought it was food poisoning, but I just knew in my gut that something else was going on. Call it parental instinct, but I knew we had to get him checked over as a matter of urgency.”
At the hospital, doctors carried out tests and Kyle's parents were told he had type 1 diabetes. Stephen said:
“The news was a massive shock. There is so much to type 1 diabetes, however we’ve been determined to support Kyle and educate ourselves about every aspect of what is involved in managing the condition.”
Kyle, who is now 16, is slowly coming to terms with adapting to life living with type 1 diabetes and wants others to be aware of the condition and its symptoms.
Stephen explained:
“It is important people are aware of the tell-tale signs of diabetes because in Kyle’s case it just happed so quickly and unexpectedly. We are so proud of how he’s coped, but he knows that if he doesn’t look after himself now then it will lead to complications later in life.”
Stephen and Kyle are now pulling on their trainers to take part in Wellness Walk Glasgow 2024 on Sunday 2 June to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
“We are happy to be participating in such a great event. We're taking part to say to Kyle 'you are not alone'. And if we can help raise money along the way to perhaps one day help fund a cure, all the better," said Stephen.
