Rugby Star Slade Tackles Diabetes Stigma

Exeter Chiefs and England centre Henry Slade, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, is actively working to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding the condition through his Tackle Diabetes campaign. His own experience of managing Type 1 diabetes, influenced by his father John's diagnosis when Henry was an infant, has shown him that an active life, including professional rugby, is entirely achievable.

Slade's father, who has managed Type 1 diabetes for 18 years, also shared his initial concerns but found he could continue an active lifestyle, including triathlons and football. This resilience served as an inspiration for Henry. The Tackle Diabetes campaign, a partnership with Sanofi launched in 2025, has received positive feedback for helping others realize that diabetes need not be a barrier to pursuing their goals.

Slade underscores the critical need for early detection, noting that over 25% of adults in the UK remain undiagnosed. He highlights ongoing research and large-scale studies in the UK focused on earlier diagnosis. Slade also expresses a personal concern about genetic predisposition, revealing that he intends to have his children tested for early detection, seeing knowledge as a vital tool to prepare for potential future challenges.