Just over a year ago, 3 days after my 18th birthday, I was diagnosed as with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a big shock, no-one on either side of the family has Type 1 so as a family we had no experience of diabetes which meant we all entered into new era  – which was a pretty sharp learning curve.

Before my diagnosis I was very active on my bikes and took every opportunity to be out on the tracks.

Ryan on the four cross track

Yet for fear of not being able to control my blood sugars and having a hypo I haven’t been as active as I would liked to have been. I became more and more frustrated at not being able to do any exercise or get on my bikes, and very nearly took off to Learnie in the Black Isle in the midst of rage and aggravation – which wouldn’t have been the wisest way to get back into exercise. But it’s now about to change.

A couple of things have given me the proverbial kick up the rear.  Firstly, at my medical check-up I was told I had lost a stone (but I haven’t noticed any change or changes to my clothes so it must be down to muscle loss). Secondly, I met the irrepressible Roddy Riddle who gave me so great advice and encouragement. He explained that I can manage my Type 1 Diabetes whilst maintaining an active lifestyle. Roddy has given me the support to get back on my bike again. It might be a bit wobbly to begin with, but I am determined to do it.

I thought you might like to come on this journey with me, so I intend to keep you all updated via this blog. You never know, it might help some others along the way too.

 

Guest Blog by: Ryan Donnelly