Rising chef Jordan Johnson has opened up about his 'life-changing' diagnosis as he battles a chronic health condition. The 20-year-old, who shot to fame this month on MasterChef The Professionals, explained that he wasn't feeling his best before leaving the BBC show.
Now, Jordan has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes - a condition where your body cannot produce insulin, the hormone regulating blood sugar levels. When left untreated, it may lead to a potentially life-threatening problem known as 'diabetic ketoacidosis', due to a build-up of acid in the blood.
"I had the privilege of competing on this years MasterChef The Professionals @masterchefuZ. It was an unforgettable experience, sharing the kitchen with some truly incredible chefs. The talent, camaraderie, and intensity of the competition were second none," said the junior sous chef, who works at the Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons in Birmingham, reports BirminghamLive.
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BBC)"What many people didn’t know is that during this, I wasn’t feeling my best. At the time, I didn’t understand why.
"Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes which was quite a life-changing discovery that answered a lot of questions. Looking back, it’s clear I wasn’t competing at my full potential, but I gave it everything I had, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.
"Living with type 1 is a challenge, but it’s also been a reminder of how resilient we can be when faced with adversity. I’m learning how to adapt, both in life and in the kitchen, and I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing boundaries."
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Jordan went on to thank his competitors and loved ones for their support during this journey. He also added that while diabetes is now a big part of his life, it isn't 'the whole story'.
"To my fellow competitors, it was a privilege to cook alongside you, you’re all phenomenal," he continued. "And to anyone living with type 1 or navigating a diagnosis, know that it doesn’t stop you from chasing your dreams.
"Diabetes is part of my story now, but it’s not the whole story. Onwards and upwards." Recent estimates suggest that more than 5.6 million people have diabetes in the UK, which is an 'all-time high', according to Diabetes UK.
Around 90% of these cases regard type 2 diabetes, while 8% of sufferers have type 1 and 2% have other rarer forms. The NHS explains that urinating more than usual, excessive thirst, exhaustion and unexplained weight loss are among its key symptoms.
However, blurred vision, strange-smelling breath and cuts taking longer to heal are other symptoms of the condition too. Current NHS advice states: "Type 1 diabetes usually starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age.
"You're more likely to get it if you have other problems with your immune system (autoimmune conditions), or if others in your family have type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune conditions. The symptoms are similar to type 2 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes usually develops more slowly and is more common in older people."
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