but it was still a shock. Going from being a healthy teenager to suddenly being told you’re facing a lifetime of injectable therapy was a kick in the nuts.
“Thankfully, I was already very into sports and fitness. My consultant at the time said this would be helpful for managing my blood sugar and give me a bit of a buffer. So, that’s what I’ve been doing for the 26 years since – exercising five days a week and trying to eat healthily – and I’ve been really lucky. I’ll always have type 1 but I’ve never had any complications or needed to be hospitalised because of diabetes, and my health is good. In fact, I’m probably a lot healthier than many people my age. “Diabetes wasn’t the reason I chose to go into healthcare, and for years, I wouldn’t tell anyone about it, preferring to keep it private. But it’s definitely impacted my approach as a doctor.As much as it’s a hassle and [it] sucked being diagnosed at 17, it’s given me a much deeper level of understanding with patients, and enabled me to lead by example when talking to them about managing their health, and why things like getting enough sleep and exercise are so important.We all want that quick fix when something goes wrong with our health, but more often than not, it doesn’t work that way.” Sean Conway, 41, is an endurance athlete and ‘Fit For Autumn’ ambassador for alcohol-free craft beer brand,Athletic Brewing Company (uk.athleticbrewing.com/pages/fit-for-autumn). He lives in North Wales with wife Caroline and kids Montgomery, three-and-a-half, and Sebastian, one. “From as far back as I can remember, I’ve been into photography and the outdoors. My dream was to be a National Geographic photographer, going on adventures and shooting out in nature – the camera was going to be my passport to travelling the world. But in my 20s, I got stuck.While fortunate to land work doing school portraits, which grew into a successful business, life wasn’t what I’d hoped for. Sure, I was earning money – but everything felt flat. Not feeling challenged and spending all my time indoors took a toll on my mental health. “Then my girlfriend at the time broke up with me, telling me I’d become boring and dull – and she was right. I’d lost my passion and drive. Suddenly I was 30, alone, and it really hit me just how much I’d gone down the wrong path. I’d chosen money over health and happiness, and things needed to change.“After selling my share in the business (for £1!), I decided to go for it and pursue a life of endurance challenges and adventure. In the decade since then, I’ve cycled the globe, completed the ‘Ultimate British Triathlon’ from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and became the first person in history to swim the length of Great Britain in 2013, amongst other things, raising money for charity along the way and becoming a motivational speaker. “It hasn’t all been easy – I’ve faced injuries, obstacles, and securing sponsorship takes work, but I’ve learned so much. I’m happier, and much more in tune with who I am and taking care of myself.When I’m training, keeping my alcohol intake low really helps.
“For me, physical fitness and wellbeing go hand in hand, and spending time outdoors is essential for my mental health. I’ve even installed an outdoor shower and an ice bath and sauna in my garden, so I can be outside as much as possible.”
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