DIABETES type one is a chronic condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin, which is essential for the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy.
This can affect a person’s energy levels significantly, as well as whether their body digests food, and how frequently they need to use the bathroom.
A local lad, not quite to the same footballing ability, who has to deal with this condition is Stefan Bokula, a student at Southampton Solent University, and an avid footballer at Sunday league level.
Despite not playing to a professional standard, he still has to regularly monitor his blood sugar levels.
Stefan spoke on his past experiences with diabetes, and the struggles he’s had to deal with in the past, as well as what he has to do now to monitor himself.
“I realised the symptoms quite early on, but one day I was just eating dinner and then passed out, I had people take me to hospital, if they weren’t there I could have been in a coma for a very long time or even dead.”
“Now I have to carry an emergency bag when I go out, if I feel unwell I have to prick my finger and use my kit to test my blood sugar levels”
A famous athlete that has to deal with this is Nacho Fernandez, a six time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and a winner of the European Championship with Spain.
He has to have regular injections and blood tests to monitor his blood sugar levels.
It’s clear that diabetes type one does have an effect on day to day life, but people like Stefan find ways to get around it.
To find out more, about the condition, check Diabetes UK’s website here.
To listen to what Stefan has to say, listen below on the Solent Sports Journalism Podcast on Spotify.
