James Norton shares how he managed diabetes during challenging theatre run

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

British actor James Norton, known for his roles in Happy Valley and McMafia, has opened up about his experience managing diabetes during a recent theatre performance of the play A Little Life. Norton, who plays the lead role of Jude, revealed that he relied on glucose shots and hidden food on stage to control his blood sugar levels throughout the demanding three-and-a-half-hour show. Norton has been diagnosed with diabetes type 1, a condition that requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Speaking to the BBC, Norton explained how adrenaline levels on stage can impact his sugar levels. Due to the lengthy duration of the play and limited breaks, Norton had to find creative ways to track his blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia, a potentially dangerous low blood sugar condition. Norton expressed his concerns about taking on such a physically demanding role as a diabetic.

However, he successfully managed his condition throughout the play and felt a sense of pride in proving to himself and others with type 1 diabetes that he could accomplish such a feat. In addition to his acting career, Norton is an advocate for diabetes research. Diabetes type 1 affects approximately 400,000 individuals in the UK, and Norton's experience as a performer with the condition has inspired him to raise awareness and support ongoing research efforts.