Diabetes Awareness Day: A Personal Story

As part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people and clients, we want to raise awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Diabetes can cause serious complications if left untreated, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms and seek medical help if needed. To mark this occasion, we spoke to our H&S and Compliance Team Lead, Alex, who shared his personal story of living with diabetes type 1.

Alex's Journey

Alex was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 in 2021, after a routine blood test revealed that his blood sugar levels were dangerously high. He was told that he was at risk of having a stroke and that he was lucky to have caught it in time. Before his diagnosis, Alex had lost a lot of weight and felt tired and unwell, but he did not realise that these were signs of diabetes.

Symptoms

Alex said that today is an important day to educate others about the symptoms of diabetes type 1. According to the NHS, common symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Going to the toilet more than usual, especially at night
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Having recurrent thrush infections
• Having blurred vision
• Having slow-healing wounds
• Having fruity-smelling breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

Support at SecuriGroup

Alex has been managing his condition with insulin injections and glucose monitors, which help him keep his blood sugar levels under control. He also thanked his manager, Kieran, for his support and understanding, and for providing him with fridges and spare insulin pens at work. His advice to others who have diabetes or are at risk of developing it is to keep going and reach out for support when needed.

Reflection

As a valuable member of our team, we admire Alex's courage and resilience. His story is a powerful example of how taking charge of one's health and seeking help when needed can make a difference. By raising awareness about diabetes, we hope to help others who are facing this condition and to contribute to our core purpose of strengthening society.