Key Highlights
- Ed Gamble’s life-altering diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13.
- The common cold that led to a serious health condition for Ed.
- How early detection and management helped shape his approach to managing diabetes.
- Recent advancements in continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Ed Gamble’s Life-Altering Diagnosis at 13
Ed Gamble, a host on the popular podcast “The Traitors,” recently shared his personal journey with Type 1 diabetes that began when he was just 13 years old. His story highlights how a common cold can lead to life-altering health issues.
The Onset of Symptoms
Ed’s health troubles started innocently enough, with him suffering from a “nasty cold,” as he recalls. However, what initially seemed like an ordinary viral infection soon escalated into something far more serious. A diagnosis revealed that Ed was actually diabetic, a condition often mistaken for flu-like symptoms in its early stages.
Early Detection and Management
“What can happen is the immune system attacks the virus and then short-circuits and keeps on killing things,” explains Ed, referring to how his body’s response led to potential damage. “In my case, they think it went after the enzymes in my pancreas, which release insulin.” Unlike many Type 1 diabetics who might only be diagnosed when their blood sugar levels become dangerously high, Ed was fortunate that his mother noticed unusual symptoms early on.
Mum used to be a nurse and was a health visitor at the time,” he says. “She noticed I was peeing a lot and thirsty all the time.” This initial observation led them to seek medical help from their local surgery. Upon testing, they confirmed that Ed had diabetes. “Low and behold, that is what it was,” confirms Ed.
“I didn’t really take into account quite how much work it would be for the rest of my life— and to be fair, I didn’t really look after myself properly until I was in my mid-20s.” He acknowledges the initial lackadaisical approach but notes that his perspective has since changed.
Current Management
Now 33, Ed takes a more disciplined approach to managing his diabetes. “I’ve made myself enjoy learning about what certain things do to my body,” he states. “It’s fascinating to see where they are going with developments like constant glucose monitoring.” Ed is currently testing the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.
He explains, “It’s a sensor which is permanently stuck to my stomach and places a little needle under my skin at all times. It measures blood sugars constantly so I can just check what’s going on using an app on my phone.” According to Ed, this technology has made managing his diabetes easier, especially overnight when he might be unaware of fluctuations in his blood sugar levels.
“It’s definitely helpful overnight as that can be a scary time for Type 1s, not knowing if your blood sugars are going to drop or creep up,” says Ed. Despite the advancements, he notes that the technology is currently not available on the NHS, which he believes would greatly benefit those with diabetes.
Understanding the Impact of Diabetes
“One area that particularly captivates me is the technological progress helping diabetics monitor their condition,” Ed adds. “I love a gadget, so that’s part of the reason being diabetic doesn’t get on top of me.” For Ed, understanding and managing his diabetes has become an integral part of his life, one he now approaches with greater interest and curiosity.
As Ed reflects on his journey, it is clear that while diabetes remains a significant challenge, advancements in technology are making the management process more manageable. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the positive impact modern tools can have on daily life for those living with chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes.
