There is never a good time to be diagnosed with diabetes...but, in Owen Crumlish’s case, it could hardly have been worse.

The former Renfrew High School pupil had never spent a day in hospital until two months ago, when his life changed dramatically.

A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes explained Owen’s constant thirst and weight loss in the weeks beforehand but it also came just as the coronavirus pandemic was spreading across the country, with those suffering from diabetes included in the ‘potentially vulnerable’ category.

Owen, 21, said: “I ask myself ‘Why could you not have waited a year?’

“It’s as if you have been knocked down twice – first with the Type 1 and secondly with the realisation that you are potentially vulnerable to Covid-19.

“My exercise and my diet, with the vitamins I’m taking, are all part of me preparing my immune system for a battle with a virus I may never get.”

Owen suspected something was wrong with his health before his diabetes diagnosis but wasn’t sure what the problem was.

After getting a blood sugar test at a pharmacy, he was immediately referred to hospital.

By the time he reached A&E, his blood sugar levels were sky high and he was rushed to a resuscitation room, in case he went into a coma.

Normal blood sugars range between 4mmol (millimole) and 7mmol but Owen was beyond 40 – the maximum the machine could measure.

Railway worker Owen, who lives in Paisley, has told of his experience as diabetes research charity JDRF hosts virtual information events this month.

The online conferences give people with Type 1 diabetes the chance to connect with others in a similar situation.

Owen said: “I would say to anyone else with this disease that, yes, it is unlucky or bad odds you have got this but it could also be a lot worse.

“You still have been given a second chance at a healthy life and, with today’s technology, this is made easier.

“One hundred years ago, this would be a death sentence but it’s not like that any more.”

The next virtual information session is planned for April 28, with details available online at www.jdrf.org.uk.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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