Dear Sir,

Sara Bosch de Noya’s article on living with diabetes and famous actors who are diabetics brought to mind that world No 2 tennis player Alexander Zverev is a type 1 diabetic — and that he has set up a foundation to help young type 1 diabetics.

I have done a little research and found two other famous tennis players in the same predicament — Bille Jean King and the late Arthur Ashe. Chris Pennell is a rugby union back who played for Worcester Warriors and England. The list goes on and on in American football, Australian Rules football, baseball, basketball, cricket, cycling, athletics and golf, to name a few more sports.

Diabetes is not a condition that restricts what one can do; however, one should note that all of the above are athletes, which means they exercise. Not only do they exercise, but they watch their diets and as a result live a full life. They are very good examples of “you are what you eat”. There are very few people in sport who are type 2 diabetics.

I urge all diabetics to get advice from a great source, the Bermuda Diabetes Association. The BDA has great people and gives advice on nutrition and how to live with diabetes. Your GP and optometrist are also good sources for information and assistance — listen, take the advice and act upon it. It is really all in your hands. As the adage says, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.”

A very happy and healthy Christmas to you and your readers.

ANTONY SIESE

Paget