Craig Rowe
Presenter, Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun’
Craig Rowe was diagnosed with prediabetes. Prediabetes means that blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It also means there is a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes but does not always mean it will lead to type 2 diabetes.
Q: How did you find out about your diagnosis?
I had gone for blood tests because I was getting terrible night sweats, and the GP suggested that we run some tests. The results came back with a diagnosis of prediabetes.
Q: How much did you know about prediabetes?
I will be honest. I knew very little about diabetes in general, even though I heard it runs in my family. It felt to me, at the time, that I was being told I was knocking on the door of developing type 2 diabetes. Being given this diagnosis was a huge wake-up call, and I knew I had to find out more and take positive action towards getting my blood sugar down. But as someone who is fairly optimistic, I also knew that it was a good thing I found out because at least I could do something about it.
It felt to me, at the time, that I was being told I was knocking on the door of developing type 2 diabetes.
Q: Why have you chosen to share what you’ve been through?
I am beyond excited to be working with Diabetes UK. I am hoping that by sharing my experience of being diagnosed with prediabetes and what I did to get my blood sugars back to the normal range, I can inspire and help others. I also feel that as a Black man, it is my duty to share with my Black and Asian brothers how much more susceptible we are to type 2 diabetes and to have discussions about the warning signs, getting tested and taking action.
Q: What are your feelings about the future?
I am feeling really positive! The more I learn about prediabetes, the more I can adapt my lifestyle and, in particular, how I can balance the demands of being a busy TV presenter with what my body needs to keep itself healthy.
To find out more, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore
