Man whose diabetes has left him struggling to see backs QEHB's Diabetes Appeal
A diabetes patient is encouraging donations to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity’s diabetes fund during diabetes week
Richard Norgrove, a 44 year old from Bromsgrove, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes aged nine, after suffering with a common cold.
Richard’s body tried to fight the cold off, but a genetic error caused his body to attack his pancreas. The pancreas creates a hormone called insulin, which allows the body to use sugar from carbohydrates for energy, or to store for future use, and keeps the blood sugar level from getting too high or too low.
At the time of Richard’s diagnosis, doctors were still unsure of how best to treat the condition, and although Richard followed all advice, and tested his blood sugar levels regularly, by the time he reached adulthood his health had rapidly deteriorated.
He explained: “As a teenager I felt invincible. I had no idea how diabetes would affect my life. At 25, I saw the doctor for a routine check and was told that my eyesight was deteriorating, and quickly.”
As well as struggling to see, diabetes causes Richard to experience extreme tiredness, making him heavily reliant on others for support as even the smallest of tasks can leave him exhausted.
“For me, diabetes is a fine balancing act. One day I can eat something and it won’t affect my sugars but the next day, my body’s reaction will be totally different.
“The support I get from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is invaluable. I have an excellent team behind me who are always on hand if I need advice.
“It’s not just medical advice and treatment that they give me, they also give me emotional support when I need it, which is just as important.
“I know that diabetes is going to affect me for the rest of my life, but it’s clear that everybody at QEHB is committed to slowing the damaging effects of the condition.
“I would encourage anyone who has been affected by diabetes, or knows someone who has, to consider donating to QEHB Charity’s diabetes fund during this national awareness week. Your donation will help to fund research, equipment and facilities ‘over and above’ what the NHS can provide, meaning that diabetes patients like me can get the best help and support available.”
Diabetes week is a national awareness event that takes place between 11 – 17 June. To support diabetes patients at QEHB, please make a donation by clicking here. qehb.org
If you’d like more information about how QEHB Charity supports patients, please go to www.qehb.org or call 0121 371 4852.
