Actor living with type 1 diabetes takes on London Marathon

Actor James Norton is set to run this year’s London Marathon, highlighting both the challenges and growing possibilities of endurance sport for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Preparing for the 26.2-mile race, Norton – who has type 1 diabetes – has spoken about the added complexity of balancing marathon training with glucose management.

Prolonged exercise can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate unpredictably, requiring constant monitoring and careful decisions around fuelling and insulin.

To support this, Norton uses the Dexcom G7 – a real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that allows him to track his glucose levels throughout training and during runs.

The device provides live data and alerts, helping him to respond quickly to changes and maintain greater stability over longer distances.

His experience reflects a broader shift in diabetes care, with connected CGM technology – such as the Dexcom G7— and hybrid closed-loop systems playing an increasingly important role in enabling people with type 1 diabetes to take on ambitious physical challenges.

As thousands of runners prepare to take on the London Marathon, Norton’s journey shines a light on both the realities of managing type 1 diabetes during endurance sport and the growing role of technology in supporting more active, confident lifestyles.