Diabetic runner completes half marathon despite equipment failure

Tuesday 26 March 2024

An islander who completed her first half marathon over the weekend has shed light on how she manages her diabetes while training.

Beth Edwards finished the Hospice to Hospice Half Marathon on Sunday in two hours and seven minutes – despite her continuous glucose monitor failing halfway through the race.

The 24-year-old, who works for Sandpiper and moved to Jersey two years ago, is passionate about fitness and sporting activities.

She has taken to social media to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and how those with the condition can safely participate in sports.

Beth has also called for better education about diabetes within sports clubs and groups.

She said: "I know that a lot of type 1 [diabetics] I have met are often scared to part take in physical activity as they don't feel safe, or are too nervous because of the fear of having a hypo [when your blood sugar level drops too low] as well as feeling insecure."

 

 

 

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Speaking about the lack of understanding about diabetes, Beth said: "Before I was diagnosed just over a year ago, I had absolutely no idea about what it was like to be diabetic.

"To get a diagnosis out of the blue completely changed my life. It was very overwhelming."

She explained: "There were many more decisions and considerations within my day that I wouldn't have ever had to worry about before.

"Not to mention I now had to give myself multiple injections a day for the rest of my life.

Beth recalled searching online for stories of athletes with type 1 diabetes after her diagnosis.

"I was so scared that all the things I loved to do wouldn't be possible for me anymore," she admitted.

"I just wanted to see people living with diabetes still being able to reach all their goals and not letting the diabetes hold them back."

Beth explained: "I used to run a lot of cross country when I was younger but have only just got back into running recently, after being very poorly."

Last year, a serious complication called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) left Beth in intensive care, which then led to her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

She said: "Four months later, I took part in a triathlon event which is a super sprint triathlon, consisting of a 400m swim, 10km bike ride followed by a 2.5km run.

"It was a huge goal of mine to complete as I lost so much weight, strength and muscle from my DKA episode and was still learning about managing diabetes."

After completing the triathlon, Beth set her mind to completing a half marathon.

"Before this point, I hadn't run much further than 5km and was very nervous about running further because I was worried my blood sugar could drop too low," she explained.

Training for the half marathon wasn't easy for Beth, but she found ways to manage her diabetes during training.

She said: "There were a lot of runs that I set out on but couldn't complete due to my blood sugars dropping too low which became very frustrating.

"With a lot of perseverance and learning a lot from previous runs, trying out different things such as reducing insulin dosage and taking on extra carbs, I slowly learnt what worked for my body.

"However those who have diabetes will know it is very unpredictable and what works one day might not work the next."

Pictured: Beth at the finish line with her Hospice to Hospice Half Marathon medal. 

Beth said she was "incredibly nervous" going into the half marathon on Sunday.

"I didn't know how my bloods would behave and I doubted that I could even run that far," she explained.

"But on the day I had the most amazing time and enjoyed every second.

"I completed the half marathon in 2:07 which is a time I am incredibly proud of.

"But really it wasn't about the time for me, it was about making it across that finish line safely and proving to myself that I could do it."

Beth said that she relies on a continuous glucose monitor called a libre sensor to track her blood sugar levels, which connects to her phone.

She said: "Without this tech I don't think I would feel confident to do all the sports I love, but having the libre sensor gives me a lot of freedom and helps me keep safe."

However, on the day of the race, the sensor malfunctioned after 8km due to cold temperatures.

Despite this setback, Beth said: "I think the diabetes tech will evolve even more in future to be more reliable to avoid things like this happening."