Jay James: 'We're still trying to process that this is forever'

Type 1 on 1 | Diabetes Stories

It’s not everyday you meet someone with a heart like Jay James.
The X Factor finalist, one quarter of platinum-selling group The Overtones, songwriter, radio presenter, artist manager and former Royal Navy physical trainer, it’s fair to say that Jay has experienced a lot of what life has offer.
Jay’s first introduction to type 1 diabetes had come early in 2022 when he started to manage singer and fellow type 1 diabetic Tom Ball, after he shot to recognition on Britain’s Got Talent.
But nothing could have prepared Jay’s family for the shock of his son Franklin’s rollercoaster type 1 diabetes diagnosis just a few months later.
There’s a lot of emotion in this episode, as Jay openly admits to still processing not only the diagnosis itself but the longevity of the condition and what it means for Franklin, now 4.
But there’s an incredible amount of hope too, as between the dad guilt, the grief and the pressure to get things right, Jay continues to lead with heart while taking a practical approach to making things better - not only for his family, but for others in the community.
And today, Jay is launching mydiabetesstory.org to do just that - a platform designed to bring people together and show the power of community.
FIND JAY AND THE OVERTONES:
Get tickets to see The Overtones Christmas 2023 UK Tour (use code GOODTIMES23 for a discount!)
Check out My Diabetes Story on Instagram.
Follow The Overtones on Instagram.
Follow Jay on Instagram.
SPONSOR MESSAGE:
Thanks to my episode sponsors Dexcom.
Pioneer and leader in Real-Time continuous glucose monitors, Dexcom's goal is to simplify and improve diabetes management for every possible person with diabetes.
They have a choice of systems, so you can find the right one for your lifestyle at https://www.dexcom.com/