A MUM from Llandysul is getting ready to run the Swansea Half Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK Cymru following her son’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes this year.
The Swansea marathon will see dozens of Team Diabetes UK Cymru runners run the 13.1 mile course from the heart of the city to the coast on Saturday, June 25.
Catrin Evans-Thomas, 36, is running the marathon to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes as her son Caio Glyn, six, has been living with the condition since January.
Catrin said: “We noticed that things weren’t right, Caio Glyn was visiting the bathroom more often than usual and asking for water at all times of the day and night.
“I now know that these are classic symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, which are called the 4Ts – toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner - but the time we had no idea what could be causing his symptoms
“We took him to the GP and were told to go to Glangwili hospital for an immediate finger prick test to check his blood glucose levels, which showed that he had Type 1 diabetes. Despite the fact that this is such a serious condition, Caio Glyn has been managing really well, though it has been a learning curve for the whole family.
“I decided to run the Swansea Half Marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru because I really want to raise awareness of the seriousness of Type 1 diabetes, as well as the conditions’ symptoms.”
Type 1 diabetes is a serious lifelong condition that is usually diagnosed in children or young adults. No one knows exactly what causes the condition, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable but is managed with daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.
Catrin added: “The training so far has been going surprisingly well and I’m determined to cross that finish line, especially as I’m going to be a one hit wonder - my first and last half marathon!”
To sponsor Catrin visit JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Catrin-Evans-Thomas.
For more information on the charity’s Know Type 1 campaign to raise awareness of the condition visit www.diabetes.org.uk/wales or call 0345 123 2399.
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