Losing consciousness behind the wheel of a car is a nightmare for anyone, and it proved life-changing for former North Norfolk chef David Green.
Mr Green, a type 1 diabetic, passed out and was involved in a multiple vehicle collision near Fakenham.
“For a diabetic, this is as bad as it gets,” he said.
“It was the second of two accidents I had, both of which were caused by low blood sugar at the wheel – I practically passed out.
“I was on my way to pick up my dog from the kennel when it happened – three other cars were involved, but luckily no one was injured.
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“Then I lost my driver’s license and my job because I couldn’t drive there. If the accident hadn’t happened, I might still be living in Norfolk today.”
David Green, a former North Norfolk chef, wrote a book about his experience with type 1 diabetes called Happy Birthday! …. You’re Diabetic.
– Credit: Supplied by David Green
Mr Green, 53, felt that there was no other option but to move back to his parents in Colchester after the 2017 accident.
On the occasion of Diabetes Week June 14-20, Mr Green has just published a book called “Happy Birthday … You’re Diabetic” in which he writes in depth about his experiences with diabetes while working as a cook in North Norfolk for five years.
The book also includes more than 70 diabetic-friendly recipes he developed over 30 years in the hospitality industry.
Mr. Green moved to Norfolk in 2012 and initially worked at Titchwell Manor.
He said, “Everyone understood, supported and cared about my diabetes. I worked at The Wiveton Bell and The Duck Inn in Stanhoe before becoming the head chef at The Globe in Wells-next-the-Sea.
“I loved living in Binham and working in Wells. I spent many, many days on the open sands with my dog.
“The north Norfolk coast is a unique place and will always have a special place in my heart. The Globe, all of my chefs and all of the other staff were great, as was my boss Stephen Bournes.”
The Globe Inn at Wells-next-the-Sea, acquired from the Holkham Estate by Stephen and Antonia Bournes, former owners of Southwold Pier
– Credit: Archant
But Mr. Green said his diabetes was always a factor.
He said, “I could go to The Globe for months and have no problems if I could keep my sugar levels pretty good.
“Then during a busy church service I would have low blood sugar and lose an hour.
Mr Green said it has become much easier for people with type 1 diabetes to lead normal lives since he was diagnosed at the age of 25 in 1993.
He said, “Diabetes has never stopped me from doing anything, but I have had some horrific experiences like waking up after fainting in the middle of the forest. Diabetes is the master and must be obeyed but not afraid of it to have.
David Green, a former North Norfolk chef, wrote a book about his experience with type 1 diabetes called Happy Birthday! …. You’re Diabetic.
– Credit: Supplied by David Green
“There are things like the FreeStyle Libre monitor – available from the NHS – and insulin pumps that more people use. With all the technology now available, there will be fewer stories like mine. ”
Mr. Green went to work at Arthur Howell’s Bakery in Wells, a job he said he loved mostly thanks to the Howell family.
He said, “I wrote this book with other diabetics in mind.
“I would like to share my experiences and almost 30 years of knowledge from living with diabetes. I would like to send a message to other diabetics that it is possible to lead an active, happy, interesting, exciting and ‘almost normal’ life.
“But I am living proof of what can happen if you don’t do what you have to do. My biography tells this story in detail – with all the ups, downs, lifestyle changes, the effects on family and friends. “
The book is available from amazon.co.uk or from ShieldCrest.
