Next up in our 'Diabetes & Me' feature are father and son, Dave and Ralph Allen.

Ralph was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 3, with Dave being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year aged 38. Here we learn a bit more about their different journeys with diabetes.

Dave Allen, 39 & Ralph Allen, 7

What symptoms did you have when you were diagnosed? We each had been exceptionally thirsty, tired and had exhibited drastic weight loss prior to diagnosis. 

How do you manage your diabetes? We each wear Dexcom G6 sensors so we can get our readings on our phones (and I can see Ralph’s remotely on my phone) constantly. For insulin delivery, Ralph wears an Omnipod pump whereas I take Metformin tablets and inject insulin as required. I also try to manage it as best I can through diet and exercise. 

Have you had to adapt your lifestyle? We were both “lucky” in a sense, because Ralph was diagnosed when he was 3, so he hasn’t really ever known much else. Of course, we need the assistance of his teachers and other caretakers when he’s not with us. His pump and sensor means he has a minimal amount of kit to have to take with him wherever he goes. As for me, having dealt with Ralph’s diabetes for 3 and a bit years prior to my own diagnosis, I was at least in a good position to get on top of management of my blood sugars straight away. Having to carry my kit around is taking some getting used to, and having to inject myself has me thinking twice before reaching for the crisp cupboard but otherwise it is very much business as usual. Oh, unless you count the giant mason jar full of Jelly Babies at my office in case of hypos.

Biggest misconception about living with diabetes? There are two that come to mind – Both of which I was guilty of when Ralph was diagnosed. First is that Type 1 has anything to do with prior diet or lifestyle. While a healthy approach to both can help with management, unfortunately no amount of clean livin’ could have prevented Ralph’s diagnosis. Secondly is that it can affect what you can/can’t do in your everyday life. I worried Ralph wouldn’t be able to play with his mates, play sports, etc. As long as the requisite kit is at hand, and you become more familiar with how certain types of activity affect your sugars, the world is your oyster! Fairly sure oysters are carb-free, too, so that’s sound.

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Diabetes affects around 6% of the island’s population, and that is set to increase. The signs and symptoms of diabetes can develop at any time, and early diagnosis is so important to help prevent further health complications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, get in touch with your GP: going to the toilet a lot, especially at night; excessive thirst; feeling more tired than usual; losing weight without trying to; genital itching or thrush; cuts and wounds take longer to heal; and blurred vision.