A Ramsgate diabetes sufferer will undertake a 54-mile cycle run to raise funds for research into the condition.
Summit Aviation worker Guy Luck will take part in the London to Brighton ride this September to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
The 30-year-old has been type 1 diabetic for the past 13 years ad it is a condition that has run through his family.
Guy said: “My dad was a type 1 diabetic from the age of three, it was ultimately what killed him. My elder brother found him one morning following an argument, which left us staying with our grandad.
“My grandad on my father’s side was also a type 1 diabetic. This led to an infection is his toe which went gangrene and led to his leg being amputated up to the knee. He passed away due to his second stroke.
“My mother, her father and my aunty are all type 2 diabetics and have thus far encountered no serious complications.
“I am cycling for all those who suffer, daily with diabetes. I want to raise awareness and understanding of the differences between type 1 and type 2. There are currently 2.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK. This number is expected to double to 5 million within the next 3 years.”
Guy has set a fundraising target of £500 and has so far raised £195.
People can donate via a text code until March 31 by texting LBGL88 plus their chosen donation amount to 70070 or via the dedicated just giving website here.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high.
It happens when your body can’t produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which controls blood glucose.
You need daily injections of insulin to keep your blood glucose levels under control.
Managing type 1 diabetes can take time to get used to, but you can still do all the things you enjoy.
Type 1 diabetes isn’t linked with age or being overweight.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that also causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pass water a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves.
It’s a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups.
It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
