A teenager who had to be rushed hospital after undiagnosed diabetes caused him to collapse is taking on a special challenge to raise awareness of the life-changing condition.

Kyle Buchanan was just 13 when a severe drop in weight and frequent thirst sparked concern with his parents.

After seeking medical advice, Moira and Stephen decided to rush their son to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Govan - but his condition deteriorated rapidly on the way. By the time they arrived, Kyle’s glucose levels were so high that he was unresponsive and had to be rushed into resuscitation.

Dad Stephen, 52, explained: “Over the course of a short period we noticed he had lost weight. I remember looking at him one morning and thinking something wasn’t right. We noticed he was drinking a lot more especially milk and then he began to feel sick. Kyle thought it was food poisoning, but I just knew in my gut that something else was going on. Call it parental instinct, but I knew we had to get him checked over as a matter of urgency.”

At the hospital, doctors carried out tests and Kyle's parents were told he had Type 1 diabetes. The condition causes the body's blood sugar levels to run dangerously high as the pancreas is unable to naturally produce insulin to lower them. Most sufferers are faced with a tough regime of multiple daily injections, finger-prick testing and carbohydrate counting to survive.

Stephen, from South Nitshill, said: “The news was a massive shock and we very quickly had to get to grips with what it involved. Kyle had to get used to injecting himself daily, which is a big thing for any kid to get their head around.

“There is so much to it but we were determined to support him and educate ourselves about every aspect of what is involved. By the time Kyle left hospital he was like an expert mathematician, with a proper grasp on carb counting and glucose monitoring, but it was still a huge lifestyle change for him.”

Glasgow Times: Kyle and his dad StephenKyle and his dad Stephen (Image: Gord)

Kyle, who is now 16, is slowly coming to terms with adapting to life as a Type 1 diabetic and wants others to be aware of the condition and its symptoms.

His dad added: “It’s relentless, there’s no day off from diabetes. If your sugar levels are too high or too low, it impacts how you feel and your general wellbeing. Thankfully, technology has improved massively in recent years and now people can have a sensor on their arm that means they can monitor levels directly on their mobile phone.

“It’s important people are aware of the tell-tale signs because in Kyle’s case it just happed so quickly and unexpectedly. We are so proud of how he’s coped, but he knows that if he doesn’t look after himself now then it will lead to complications later in life.”

The father and son are now pulling on their trainers to take part in the Wellness Walk around Glasgow on June 2 to raise funds for Diabetes UK, who continue to carry out research in the hope of one day finding a cure.

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The eight-mile trek starts and finishes at Kelvingrove Park, with groups of walkers setting off in waves between 9.30 and 11am. The route takes participants through Glasgow, passing iconic landmarks such as the People's Palace, the Necropolis and the Duke of Wellington statue as it winds its way through Merchant City and George Square before heading along the banks of the River Clyde.

As well as fundraising, entrants will receive advice on how they can improve their wellbeing and a journal to help plan training walks and lifestyle changes around better health.

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Nearly five million people in the UK alone live with diabetes. If not managed carefully, both Type 1 and Type 2 can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputations, heart attacks and strokes. While some people living with the latter can put their diabetes into remission there is currently no known cure for any Type 1.

Stephen said: “We are happy to be taking part in such a great event, and if we can help raise money along the way to perhaps one day help fund a cure, all the better.”

John Kinnear, National Director, Diabetes Scotland, said: “We know being active helps protect against diabetes complications and can help sufferers lead a happier and healthier life.

“Accessible walks are the perfect way do this, and with the lighter evenings here now, it’s a great time to get in some steps ahead of the Wellness Walk in Glasgow in June.”

For more information, or to sign up for the event, click here.