A TEENAGER from Cwmbran with Type 1 diabetes is getting set to break a World Record at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

Taylor Lewis, 17, is taking part in Diabetes UK Cymru’s bid to break the record for the number of people with the condition to complete a half marathon together by running in the event on Thursday, June 23.

The charity set the record last year with a team of 69 runners.

Mr Lewis, a pupil at Rougemont School in Newport, was diagnosed when he was seven years old.

He said: "I was showing a few common symptoms, such as needing to go to the loo frequently, but the diagnosis still came as a complete shock. Nobody else in my family has diabetes so there was a lot for us all to take in.

"Life with Type 1 diabetes is hard. I’m lucky in that my school are very supportive, especially around exam time, and I’ve got a great network of friends.

"But it can be hard at parties or in social situations. If I need to inject insulin or check my blood sugars in front of other people, it can feel alienating."

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Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body cannot produce the hormone insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in the blood. It affects around 19,000 people in Wales and must be carefully managed day-to-day.

Physical exercise can impact blood glucose levels, meaning people who have Type 1 diabetes must manage their insulin before, during and after exercise.

Mr Lewis started running three years ago and is a member of Caerleon Running Club.

"I wanted to take part in the Swansea Half Marathon to raise money for Diabetes UK Cymru, but also to raise more awareness of Type 1 diabetes and how challenging it can be for a young person to deal with," added Mr Lewis.

"I hope that I can inspire others and show people that having Type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to restrict you."

South Wales Argus:

Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "Taylor’s attitude towards living with Type 1 diabetes sends an important message, raising awareness of the challenges of day-to-day life with the condition as well as showing that it does not have to hold you back.

"This is not just about breaking a record: we hope to inspire others and create a community of individuals like Taylor who understand the challenges people with Type 1 diabetes face and can support each other.

"We are delighted to have Taylor on our team and are looking forward to cheering all our runners across the finish line on June 23."

To sponsor Taylor, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/taylorsdiabetes

Diabetes UK Cymru still has guaranteed charity places remaining for the half marathon. Places are open to everyone. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y38wvgcb