Former EastEnders star Jonny Labey said his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis has been 'overwhelming at times'.
The actor discovered he had the chronic condition during his GCSEs, when he felt 'unexplainably tired' and 'thirsty' no matter how much water he drank.
Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high and it occurs when the body can't produce enough insulin, which controls blood glucose.
Jonny, who plays Paul Coker on the long-running soap, immediately got tested and discovered he is diabetic.
"So, I got tested as I measured my blood on my Grandad's monitor and it was 26.6, which is dangerously low, so I went immediately to hospital - and the rest is history!" he explained.
"It was very cautiously measured in the beginning, but didn't have too much of an effect apart from the occasional realisation moment."
He added to The Sun : "It was overwhelming at times, but so long ago that I don't remember."
Jonny told other diabetics not to 'shy away or be embarrassed about their chronic condition.
On World Diabetes Day on Monday, he told followers on Instagram to get checked if they lost weight, are tired and thirsty.
"It's been a ride but it's never held me back from doing anything. It is me now," he said. "I am Type 1. If you're just finding out, welcome to the family."
"If you're struggling, reach out and get some help. Happy World Diabetes Day."
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Jonny also told followers that he's been using an insulin pump for around a year and that he was initially 'hesitant'.
"I quite enjoyed all the injections and blood tests but it got quite difficult for my job being a performer," the star explained.
"[The insulin pump] has been such a game-changer for me. It's like having a second brain, which if you know me, is a good thing.
"It's like having a huge weight lifted."
The EastEnders star has portrayed Jamie Renton in an episode of BBC's Doctors. He is also appearing as Jerry Travers in the shows at The Mill At Sonnings for Christmas.
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