Juliet was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March 2020 during a routine annual check with her GP. She had no symptoms although she had been in the prediabetes category for a while and had struggled to lose weight.

There was also a history of type 2 diabetes in the family, with her father being diagnosed in his mid-50s. 

Thomas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2016 after going to a New Year’s Eve party with friends. 

These packs offer materials as part of the New Medicines Service, which is a service to support people starting new medications for a long-term condition, including for diabetes.

The play was written by American playwright, Robert Harling, in 1987 and adapted into an iconic film in 1989. It tells the story of a group of women in Louisiana who share family and friendship bonds and support each other through life’s ups and downs. The character of Shelby – played in the film by Julia Roberts – has type 1 diabetes.

On Saturday 19 March when the Stags welcome Stevenage to Nottinghamshire, Diabetes UK employees and volunteers will be there to offer guidance, information and support on all things relating to the condition.

Roy Bustin, Diabetes UK Volunteer Co-ordinator in the Midlands, said:

“I remember thinking,  I'll be okay. Nobody else around me has it, my mom and nan have type 2 diabetes but I didn’t know anyone who had type 1. I remember thinking I can just carry on as normal.

James O’Neill, 52, was diagnosed with the condition just before his teenage years and says it was a real struggle to manage his diabetes.

James said: “I collapsed on the football pitch, at the time I only weighed around five stone and I was really poorly. I found managing my condition every day quite difficult and I certainly didn’t take good care of myself.

They were chosen for the Diabetes UK Good Diabetes Care in School Award 2020 because of the support they provide to students with the condition, the help they offer to manage their diabetes safely, and the care they take to include them in all school activities. 

During these difficult times, many people are worried about going to appointments. Missing vital diabetes health checks can lead to delayed treatment and increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

The team of four plan to kayak 160 miles along the River Thames from its source in Lechlade to central London. They will then be jumping on bikes and cycling 150 miles back up to Lincolnshire.