X Factor's Amelia voices type 1 diabetes concerns
It's that time of year again and the X Factor is in full swing. Each week our TVs are dominated with the hugely successful singing competition and a number of up and coming stars fill the newspapers. One contestant by the name of Amelia Lily made the papers recently, but not because of her talent for singing. The announced to the press that she suffers from type 1 diabetes - an illness that can be extremely dangerous unless treated appropriately. She has had the condition for a number of years and used to have 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.
Amelia performs on the X Factor live shows at the weekends and performing in front of a huge live audience naturally causes a surge of adrenaline in the young performer. Adrenaline can affect blood sugar levels and as such, Amelia needs to take extra precautions before she takes to the stage.
Amelia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 and has had to keep tight controls on insulin levels ever since. Because she has had to deal with the condition for so long, she can instantly recognise the signs when a hyperglycaemic episode is approaching. She will often start to shake and she will have an overwhelming urge for sugary foods. If she feels any of these signs, she must take appropriate action.
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.
Amelia performs on the X Factor live shows at the weekends and performing in front of a huge live audience naturally causes a surge of adrenaline in the young performer. Adrenaline can affect blood sugar levels and as such, Amelia needs to take extra precautions before she takes to the stage.
Amelia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 and has had to keep tight controls on insulin levels ever since. Because she has had to deal with the condition for so long, she can instantly recognise the signs when a hyperglycaemic episode is approaching. She will often start to shake and she will have an overwhelming urge for sugary foods. If she feels any of these signs, she must take appropriate action.
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.
