Luke Edwards was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2010. Now he's running the Virgin London Marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru to inspire others with the condition.
Luke, 29, from Anglesey, became unwell while in his first year studying Marketing at Bangor University.
Luke had lost over four stone in weight and become seriously unwell with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. He was admitted to hospital where he spent two days receiving 24-hour care.
Since then, Luke hasn't let his condition stop him living life to the full, especially when it comes to staying active. He plays cricket regularly and will be setting himself a whole new challenge when he takes on the iconic 26.2-mile London Marathon on Sunday 22 April.
We didn't recognise the symptoms
Luke said, “We did not recognise the symptoms before I was diagnosed, but now I know that losing weight is a common sign of Type 1 diabetes. It was a big shock but at the time I was more worried about passing my first year university exams! It’s a massive part of my life but I don’t let it bother me.
“I’ve always wanted to take on a challenge like this. One day my friend and I were watching television and talking about the London Marathon, and by the time our partners came home we’d entered!
“I play a lot of sport already and am running the Anglesey Half Marathon in March as part of my training. I know my body well and how food and exercise will affect my diabetes. Running a marathon is on another level and has different demands to the other sports I do, but I’m really enjoying it.
I want to inspire others
“Diabetes UK is a cause very close to my heart. I want to inspire others with Type 1 and contribute to one day finding a cure.”
Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign is raising awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes to help people spot them and diagnose quickly, before someone comes seriously ill.
Look out for the four Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner, and if you spot any of them visit your doctor immediately and ask for a finger prick test.
We’re so grateful to Luke for taking on this iconic challenge and hope he inspires other young people with Type 1 diabetes every step of the way!
To show your support and sponsor Luke, go to his fundraising page
