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X Factor's Amelia speaks out about type 1 diabetes
Once again, the UK has gone nuts for the X Factor. Each weekend, the television is dominated by the singing contest and the British public love it! One contestant by the name of Amelia Lily has hit the headlines of late and not just for her singing talent. She recently revealed that she suffers from type 1 diabetes; a condition that can have a massive effect on the lives of people who suffer from it. In recent talks with the press, she revealed that she was diagnosed with the condition as a child and used to suffer seizures as a child.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body lacks cells that produce insulin. In some people, other cells will attack these cells and as such, the body cannot produce enough of this important chemical. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the blood and without it, levels can become either dangerously high or dangerously low. If glucose levels reach these extremes, it can have serious consequences on health. In extreme cases, seizures can occur, just as those mentioned by Amelia.
The X Factor involves live performances in front of large audiences. Amelia does this every week and this kind of thing can cause a surge of adrenaline in the body. Adrenaline uses a lot of energy from the body, which can affect the blood sugar levels. As a result, Amelia must take the appropriate precautions before she takes to the stage, to avoid such an episode form occurring.
The soon-to-be starlet was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 14 years ago and has to regularly inject insulin - as do many other people who suffer from the condition. Injecting insulin allows the body's sugar levels to return to a safe level. Because she has had the condition for so long, Amelia knows the tell tale signs before she has a hyperglycaemic episode, so she can act accordingly. She can tell if an episode is approaching as she will often shake or feel that she needs to eat chocolate.
One of Amelia's greatest concerns about the condition is the risk that she could completely lose her sight if she has a particularly aggressive episode. High levels of glucose in the blood vessels of the eye can cause irreparable damage. She plans to use her fame to promote awareness of the condition.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body lacks cells that produce insulin. In some people, other cells will attack these cells and as such, the body cannot produce enough of this important chemical. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the blood and without it, levels can become either dangerously high or dangerously low. If glucose levels reach these extremes, it can have serious consequences on health. In extreme cases, seizures can occur, just as those mentioned by Amelia.
The X Factor involves live performances in front of large audiences. Amelia does this every week and this kind of thing can cause a surge of adrenaline in the body. Adrenaline uses a lot of energy from the body, which can affect the blood sugar levels. As a result, Amelia must take the appropriate precautions before she takes to the stage, to avoid such an episode form occurring.
The soon-to-be starlet was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 14 years ago and has to regularly inject insulin - as do many other people who suffer from the condition. Injecting insulin allows the body's sugar levels to return to a safe level. Because she has had the condition for so long, Amelia knows the tell tale signs before she has a hyperglycaemic episode, so she can act accordingly. She can tell if an episode is approaching as she will often shake or feel that she needs to eat chocolate.
One of Amelia's greatest concerns about the condition is the risk that she could completely lose her sight if she has a particularly aggressive episode. High levels of glucose in the blood vessels of the eye can cause irreparable damage. She plans to use her fame to promote awareness of the condition.