Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle speaks of 'shock' after being diagnosed with diabetes
2 min read
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has spoken of his "shock" after being diagnosed with diabetes.
The 62-year-old was told by doctors that he had the condition just days before last week's general election.
Sir Lindsay - who took over the role from John Bercow in November - was urged by his family to visit the doctor after losing three stone in recent months.
It is understood that he has Type 1 diabetes, meaning he will need daily injections of insulin for the rest of his life.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May received the same diagnosis when she was Home Secretary.
Sir Lindsay insisted the condition would not prevent him from continuing in his role as Commons chair.
He said: "I’m on tablets, as well as having to inject insulin, but it doesn’t stop me carrying on and nothing is going to be a barrier to me.
"I’m going to cope with it. I’m going to manage it. I’m going to get through this. The fact is I feel really well. We know what it is – that’s the good news - and of course, I have got to get over it and get on with my job.
"The House of Commons elected me to be the Speaker and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from doing that."
The former Labour MP revealed his diagnosis during an interview with Rob McLoughlin for the forthcoming series "Mr Speaker".
Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: "Living with type 1 diabetes can be hard, but as Sir Lindsay’s experiences have shown, with the right support from your healthcare team – and careful management – people can live full and healthy lives following their diagnosis.
"It’s often thought that type 1 diabetes only affects children but, while it’s less common to see someone of Sir Lindsay’s age diagnosed, it can affect a person at any time in their life. That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes – the four Ts – can be a life-saver.
"So if you’re going to the toilet a lot, experiencing increased thirst, are more tired than usual, or losing weight without trying, you should speak to a healthcare professional."
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