Happy Valley leading man James Norton has today shared an intimate insight into how he manages his type 1 diabetes.
The Bafta winner, who last year split from actor Imogen Poots, was diagnosed with the condition aged 22, after he began experiencing worrying symptoms like ‘losing weight, urinating more often and feeling very tired’.
He has since referred to the illness as his ‘mini-superpower’, claiming it has given him ‘extraordinary empathy’ for ‘anyone who has something that makes them a little bit different’.
In a new Instagram video published by NHS England — filmed for Diabetes Awareness Month — he revealed how he applies his continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
‘It’s easier to control my sugar levels, which means fewer hypos, less anxiety, and a healthier, happier life. I love mine,’ he said.
Opening a new Dexcom sensor, a popular CGM brand, he first removed the safety guard.
A CGM is a wearable device that tracks glucose in real time and beams the information back to a paired smartphone app.
It can also be connected to an implanted pump, which automatically dispenses the exact amount of insulin you need into the bloodstream throughout the day.
The Bafta winner was diagnosed with the condition aged 22, after he began experiencing worrying symptoms like ‘losing weight, urinating more often and feeling very tired’
In an Instagram video published by NHS England — filmed for Diabetes Awareness Month — he revealed how he applies his continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
Giving watchers a glimpse of his toned chest, Norton then placed the CGM applicator on the side of his abdomen and presses the button to insert the sensor.
In just a matter of seconds he removed the applicator, before clicking the small transmitter firmly into place on top of the sensor.
‘There we have it people’, Norton said. ‘That is the magic.’
Responding to the minute-long video, social media followers applauded his ‘fantastic’ openness.
One said: ‘As if I’m taking medical advice from Tommy Lee Royce’, a nod to Norton’s Happy Valley character.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, a hormone that controls the level of sugar — also known as glucose — in the blood.
When this happens, sugar levels in the patient’s blood can become dangerously high.
Over time, fluctuating glucose levels can also lead to range of long-term complications, including permanent eye problems and nerve damage which can result in the loss of limbs.
Placing the CGM applicator on the side of his abdomen, Norton then presses the button to insert the sensor
Norton, who is also known for his roles in Little Women and BBC dramas The Trial of Christine Keeler and McMafia, has long been involved in raising awareness of the condition
Norton, who is also known for his roles in Little Women and BBC dramas The Trial of Christine Keeler and McMafia, has long been involved in raising awareness of the condition.
The actor has also taken part in several educational events led by the NHS’ lead on diabetes technology, Professor Partha Kar.
Meanwhile on Instagram, the hunk who plays a leading role in the new Netflix film Joy premiering this Friday, has posted selfies that proudly display the CGM in his arm.
Norton last year starred in West End smash-hit A Little Life and has previously told the Daily Mail of the difficulties managing his condition while performing on stage.
‘Being in a play is complicated because I might be on stage for up to an hour-and-a-half,’ he said.
‘If it’s a period drama I’ll ask the costume designers to create a hidden pocket where I can stash some sugar tablets.
‘Then, if I start to feel shaky, I’ll improvise: I’ll wander upstage, throw three dextrose tablets [high glucose supplements] in my month and then carry on with the scene.
‘I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve done that.’
Almost 4.3 million people were living with diabetes in 2021/22, according to the latest figures for the UK. And another 850,000 people have diabetes and are completely unaware of it, which is worrying because untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease and strokes
He also revealed he prefers not to use an insulin pump, and opts for injecting himself instead.
‘As an actor, I’m constantly changing costumes. Sometimes I have to do a scene naked, with my top off, or wearing tight clothes,’ he said.
‘I don’t want to be attached to two pieces of equipment.
‘I give myself around 15 insulin injections a day. I’m happy with that because it suits my lifestyle.
‘Bear in mind it’s a 5mm needle and it takes me all of seven seconds.
‘I can do three during a meal — my Dexcom [CGM] tells me if I need more insulin before pudding — and no one even notices.’
He added that since using his CGM, he’d not suffered a single hypo, and has kept his blood sugars stable.
Before this technology was available, patients would have to prick their fingers to draw blood with a lancet and insert the sample into a separate device to give a blood sugar reading.
Norton plays a leading role in the new Netflix film Joy which premieres on Netflix this Friday. Pictured with Joy co-star Thomasin McKenzie last month
Joy depicts the true story of the world’s first in vitro fertilisation baby Louise Brown
His appearance on NHS England’s social media channels comes days after he stepped out with his new girlfriend, artist and Prada model Charlotte Rose Smith
Norton’s diagnosis did not come as a shock to his family.
‘Within our little nuclear family of four, it’s completely normal to have type 1 diabetes; my dad is the only one who doesn’t have it,’ he told The Daily Mail.
‘My little sister, Jessie, was diagnosed when she was nine.
‘My mum was diagnosed when she was 58 [roughly the same age as Theresa May was when she found out she was type 1].’
Norton said he’s never thought to shift his career direction due to concerns about managing the condition.
‘I was proud to answer that I never thought for a moment it would slow me down,’ he said, adding: ‘It’s a lovely, empowering thing.’
His appearance on NHS England’s social media channels comes days after he stepped out with his new girlfriend, artist and Prada model Charlotte Rose Smith.
The pair have been dating for a ‘few months’, according to insiders, and were pictured last week near his north London home.
