Running is my passion, and with the help of an artificial pancreas, it's become much more manageable for me.
Jonty Brown, a dedicated ultra-runner, expresses deep enthusiasm for his sport, stating, "Ultra-running allows me to explore the world, reflect on life, find tranquility, and come to terms with my thoughts." This love for running has not been diminished by his diagnosis as a type 1 diabetic. At 35 years old and originally from Harrogate, Jonty was diagnosed with diabetes at the tender age of 12. He vividly recalls the initial struggles he faced in managing his blood sugar levels.
"When I first learned about my condition, my immediate concern was the necessity of injecting myself multiple times throughout the day," he remembers.
At that point, he was taking 10 to 15 finger pricks and five to six injections daily, all while grappling with a significant fear of needles. Not the best start for anyone! However, thanks to the incredible support from both healthcare professionals in Harrogate and his family, he gradually learned to take control of his diabetes. His journey became significantly easier when he transitioned to using an insulin pump paired with a blood glucose monitor.
Fast forward two years, Jonty is now one of the first individuals in the UK to utilize what is known as a hybrid closed-loop system, commonly referred to as an artificial pancreas. He explains, "I wear a continuous glucose monitor on the back of my arm that tracks my blood sugar levels in real-time. Additionally, I have an insulin pump placed on the back of my leg."
These two devices work in harmony, communicating through an application or computer program. "It actively tries to maintain my blood sugar levels within the desired range," Jonty adds. He asserts that this cutting-edge technology has dramatically transformed his life.
"Managing blood sugar levels during the night can be particularly challenging, as they fluctuate naturally. Thankfully, this system regulates it for me, allowing me to remain within a safe range—which has alleviated a tremendous burden from my shoulders."
Jonty shares how this advancement has provided him with peace of mind, especially given that he struggled with anxiety and depression during his teenage years, partly due to the unpredictability of his diabetes.
"Waking up without knowing whether my blood sugar is high or low is an unsettling way to start the day," he says. "It creates a sense of anxiety that I've managed to overcome, thanks to the continuous monitoring device. It has simplified my life considerably."
He began his running journey during the Covid pandemic and quickly developed an obsession for the sport. "Running was a fantastic outlet for movement, and just 18 months later, I became the first type 1 diabetic to run across the entire UK!" Since relocating to London, he has opened a running shop and humorously acknowledges that running has become a central part of his identity.
Recently, he completed an impressive feat by running a 500km ultra-marathon from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, finishing in fourth place and marking another milestone as the first type 1 diabetic to accomplish such a challenge.
"Using this new technology significantly eases the challenges of ultra-running. Stopping frequently to check my levels or administer insulin would complicate things immensely. Instead, having everything right in my pocket allows me to monitor my levels easily, press a few buttons, and keep going without interruption. It's made everything so much more manageable!"
For more inspiring stories and updates, check out highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch the latest episodes of Look North.
