DRWF Podcast: Simon takes control of his type 1 diabetes
Proving the condition need not stop you living life to the full.
Having lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 50 years, Simon McKee admitted he had “some very highs and very lows with my control, to the point where I got a red flag and that had a big impact and changed my life”.
Simon (56) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged three. Now, Simon runs his own company – Diabetes Take Control, which deals with the emotional and mental side of diabetes. The organisation offers workshops and online courses to support wellbeing for people living with the condition, their families and carers. His work also involves public speaking and encouraging better communication between people living with diabetes and their healthcare professionals.
Simon talked with DRWF about his life with type 1 diabetes for the Living with Diabetes podcast series.
On the time of his diagnosis at such a young age, Simon said: “I have no idea what happened or what was going on. I have a twin brother who did not get the condition. There was a parallel as there was two identical kids and one of them was drinking a huge amount of fluids, constantly going to the toilet, and having mood swings.
“My mum noticed and picked up quickly on that. My diagnosis came very, very quickly. And that was it. I don’t remember life prediabetes. My earliest memories are being called into the house, wearing a pair of elasticated pants and rolling over my mum’s knee with my bum showing and she would jab me in the backside with an injection, and then we would have dinner. That was my early memories of it.”
Special treatment
In the early days of living with the condition Simon experienced glass syringes, that were boiled for re-use, before plastic disposable needles were introduced shortly afterwards. There were also urine tests in lieu of blood tests, which was like working with a “chemistry kit” to measure and record the results.
Growing up in a large family with an older sister, twin brother and younger sister meant it often seemed like Simon was getting special treatment.
Simon said: “My siblings refer to me as the golden boy because I would always get my food first. However, this was because our mother had to weigh and measure everything for me to eat.”
Simon said his mother “was incredible” at reminding Simon he was as good as everybody else at school: “She said, your diabetes doesn’t stop you doing anything you want. You can achieve all your goals. It motivated me to stay grounded with diabetes. My mum would always take the time to help me understand why I couldn’t have sweet treats. As a result of that, I never really rebelled.”
His father meanwhile had “no idea” about diabetes. However, Simon added: “He was a great presence and had a big impression on me. My parents were two very important people in my life.”
Being inspired by books like Around the World in Eighty Days instilled a sense of adventure in Simon. In addition, growing up in the fishing village of Howth in Ireland provided the call of the sea.
Simon set sail for a yachting adventure, taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Next on the horizon were the highest peaks, as Simon became a keen climber – with new ambitions from recent visits to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
Simon said: “As I travelled, I met all sorts of different people, and they were talking to me about all sorts of trips and adventures.”
These challenges all present more preparation to take care of managing diabetes. What were Simon’s secrets?
He said: “When you cross the Pacific Ocean, the possibility of using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) is quite tricky. Anytime I go travelling now, even with CGM, I will take three or four blood glucose monitors because things can go wrong. It is also very important to record blood glucose levels. I use a glucose graph. You have got to plan for every potential scenario. Lots of them you will not even be aware of.”
Dietary adjustments
A key part of Simon’s improved self-management of the condition came from reducing carbohydrate intake.
Simon said: “A potato is approximately 70g of carbohydrate. Two weeks later, that potato could be twice the size of that. If you eat that, the impact on your blood glucose is going to be enormous. If I was at a restaurant, I would ask what could you substitute instead of potatoes? Could you give me broccoli or green beans? I now consume about the equivalent of 12g of carbohydrate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“When I used to do a lot of triathlons I had been told that you need to eat big bowls of pasta to ensure you have got enough energy to keep going. When, in fact, you don’t need anywhere near that. We over consume carbohydrates enormously.”
“It’s not easy”
Simon said taking a positive approach can help get over difficult periods when living with diabetes: “This is my lifestyle. This is what I’m about. This is what I need to do, and you just get on with it. It’s very tough. And I’ve been there, certainly when I was out of control where you are just exasperated, you are overwhelmed, and you can feel like you are getting diabetes burnout, but that mindset is so important. If you are in a position where you are struggling, I would say talk to a counsellor, talk to somebody, or come to one of my workshops.
“I am on a mission to impact as many people living with diabetes as possible, to give them a bit of a smile on their face, and also to be aware. It’s not easy, I have my tough days and days where I just want to have a couple of pints.”
Listen to the interview in full as part of the DRWF Living with Diabetes podcast series
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 edition of Diabetes Wellness News. To subscribe visit here
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