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Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle today revealed he was “shocked” to be diagnosed with diabetes days before the election.
The 62-year-old found out about the condition after he lost almost three stones in weight without trying and was urged to go to the doctors by his wife Catherine.
Sir Lindsay, the successor to John Bercow as Commons umpire, said the symptoms were so severe that medics wanted him to stay in hospital during the election, but he refused to miss the campaign.
“The House of Commons elected me to be the Speaker and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from doing that,” he said.
“I’m on tablets, as well as having to inject insulin, but it doesn’t stop me carrying on and nothing is going to be a barrier to me.
“I’m going to cope with it. I’m going to manage it. I’m going to get through this.
“The fact is I feel really well. We know what it is – that’s the good news – and of course, I have got to get over it and get on with my job.”
The Speaker is receiving treatment and awaits further tests. He is thought most likely to have Type 1 diabetes.
Sir Lindsay cited former Prime Minister Theresa May, who also has Type 1 diabetes, as an inspiration and said family and Commons’ staff have been very supportive. He said he still feels “fit and energetic”.
The MP for the Lancashire seat of Chorley spoke out about his health condition during an interview with Rob McLoughlin for the new series, Mr Speaker.
The job of Speaker involved sitting for many hours in the chamber without a break during key debates. Mr Bercow was known as “Golden Bladder” because he could endure entire days without a loo break.
Sir Lindsay, who garnered social media attention during the Queen’s Speech for wearing his lanyard in the Commons , says he is aiming to change the perception and respect for Parliament after the turmoil over Brexit.
Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Living with type 1 diabetes can be hard, but as Sir Lindsay’s experiences have shown, with the right support from your healthcare team – and careful management – people can live full and healthy lives following their diagnosis.
“It’s often thought that type 1 diabetes only affects children but, while it’s less common to see someone of Sir Lindsay’s age diagnosed, it can affect a person at any time in their life. That’s why knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes – the four Ts – can be a life-saver.
“So if you’re going to the toilet a lot, experiencing increased thirst, are more tired than usual, or losing weight without trying, you should speak to a healthcare professional.”
