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Living with type 1 diabetes is often described in clinical terms—blood glucose levels, insulin regimens and complications, but what we sometimes forget is that behind every diagnosis is a deeply personal story. Gavin Griffiths, an author and endurance athlete, offers a powerful reminder that diabetes is not only a medical condition but also a lived experience shaped by emotion, identity and resilience.
His memoir, The chronicles of glycaemia: from diagnosis to diathlete, traces a journey from childhood diagnosis to running 30 marathons in 30 days across Britain. Along the way, it reveals the challenges, misconceptions and transformative moments that shaped his life.
Gavin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of eight in 2000. At the time, much of the emotional weight of the diagnosis fell not on him, but on his mother. Her first question to the doctor was about life expectancy. The answer – an estimated 40 years – left a devastating prognosis in her eyes. For a child, this number held little meaning. Gavin just wanted to know if he could still play football. A categorical “No” from the doctor left him deflated and uncertain about his future.
This moment also reflects how a diagnosis can affect the whole family, not only the person living with diabetes. Emotions, fears and unanswered questions often ripple far beyond the clinic room. Twenty-six years ago, this experience was all too common. Families often received information that was outdated or communicated in ways that heightened anxiety rather than offering reassurance, clarity and a sense of possibility.
School years brought additional challenges. Gavin recalls feeling isolated as the only person in his class with diabetes. Daily management tasks, such as checking glucose levels or leaving lessons to treat low blood glucose, set him apart from his peers. He experienced teasing and embarrassment, as there was little structured education in schools about diabetes. Teachers and classmates often lacked understanding, leaving Gavin and his mother to explain the condition to them. This gap in awareness is not uncommon. Around the world, many schools still lack the resources or training needed to support students living with chronic conditions.
Gavin just wanted to know if he could still play football. A categorical “No” from the doctor left him deflated and uncertain about his future
Adolescence marked a turning point. As Gavin transitioned to secondary school, he began to rebel -not only against authority but also against his diabetes management.
He admits to using what he calls “the D card” to avoid lessons. By claiming hypoglycaemic episodes, he could leave class and spend time elsewhere. Gavin’s experience illustrates how emotional well-being and self-management are closely linked.
A shift came when two classmates were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and they turned to Gavin for advice. This happening was transformative and prompted him to re-engage with his own care and move away from harmful patterns. In helping others, he discovered a sense of purpose.
From the beginning, Gavin was passionate about football. The negative response did not discourage him. Over time, football became a source of confidence and identity.
At around 13 years old, he received a player of the year award. During the presentation, his coach acknowledged not only his performance but also the additional effort required to manage diabetes behind the scenes. This recognition was pivotal and helped Gavin see his condition not as a limitation, but as a source of strength.
A shift came when two classmates were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and they turned to Gavin for advice
Gavin later turned to long-distance running. At 17, he completed his first marathon as a fundraiser. However, his most ambitious challenge came years later: running 30 marathons in 30 days from John O’Groats to Land’s End. The physical demands were immense. During the first week, he often took up to 12 hours to complete each marathon, sometimes limping across the finish line. Yet his body gradually adapted. By the second week, he was running more comfortably. By the fourth, he felt capable of continuing indefinitely.
Interestingly, his diabetes management improved during this period. He monitored his glucose levels frequently and paid close attention to his body’s signals. This level of consistency led to more stable glucose control than in everyday life.
His experience offers an important insight. Structured routines and increased awareness can support better diabetes management, even under extreme conditions. Gavin often compares endurance running to living with diabetes. Both require persistence, adaptation, and patience. At first, the journey can feel overwhelming. Over time, however, the body and mind adjust. Progress may be gradual, but it is meaningful. This perspective resonates with many people living with diabetes. It acknowledges the ongoing effort required, while also recognising the potential for growth and resilience.
Gavin’s story also reflects changes in diabetes care over time. He began treatment with older insulin regimens before transitioning to basal-bolus therapy. However, he did not initially receive education on carbohydrate counting, which affected his glucose control.
In 2015, he participated in a cycling challenge from Brussels to Geneva organised by the International Diabetes Federation Europe Region. The challenge involved continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) research during exercise. These technologies have since become more widely available, offering new opportunities for improved management.
Yet access remains unequal. While some countries are exploring advanced technologies like closed-loop systems, others still struggle to provide basic insulin and education.
Gavin pointed out the “postcode lottery” in the United Kingdom, where access to supplies such as test strips varies by location. Globally, the disparities are even more stark.
The physical demands were immense. During the first week, he often took up to 12 hours to complete each marathon, sometimes limping across the finish line
Today, Gavin works in diabetes education and community engagement. For over a decade, he has collaborated with paediatric teams to develop game-based learning approaches. These methods aim to make education more engaging and relatable. Instead of relying solely on clinical information, they encourage interaction and personal connection.
In addition, his charity initiatives bring people together through camps and festivals. These events combine education with entertainment, making them accessible to individuals who might not attend traditional conferences. This approach reflects a growing recognition that education must be both informative and inclusive.
One of the most consistent themes in Gavin’s journey is the impact of isolation. As a young person, he avoided discussing his feelings. He did not want to worry his parents, explain himself to teachers, or feel different from his peers. However, the connection proved to be a turning point. Engaging with others living with diabetes helped him feel understood and supported.
He now encourages young people to seek out local diabetes groups or associations. Although initial hesitation is common, these connections often lead to long-term benefits.
Gavin is currently working on a second volume of memoirs covering his international travel and the diverse realities of diabetes care he encountered. His storytelling remains grounded in honesty. Rather than presenting a narrative of overcoming diabetes, he focuses on enduring it – day by day, challenge by challenge.
Gavin’s advice is simple yet powerful:
These messages are relevant for people of all ages. They emphasise the importance of openness, support and self-acceptance.
