Two Co Down friends who both live with Type 1 diabetes are using social media platform TikTok to raise awareness of the condition which affects 100,000 people in Northern Ireland.
Ellen Watson, 19, and Beth McDaniels. 20, from Banbridge, also known as the Diabetic Duo have been entertaining the nation by creating a number of videos to smash the stigma which surrounds the illness.
This year, the Diabetic Duo are painting their nails blue to show support for Diabetes UK NI’s ‘Nailing Diabetes’ challenge for World Diabetes Day on Saturday, 14 November.
Their latest video sees the pair dancing to ‘Steps’ Deeper Shade of Blue to encourage others to get involved in the #NailingDiabetes challenge.
The girls said: "We both live with type 1 diabetes and some days you really feel like you are nailing it whilst others you don't. We want to thank our family and friends who are there for us on the days we haven’t felt like we’re ‘nailing it’.
"We love a challenge so jumped at the chance to paint our nails the international colour of World Diabetes Day, dance to Steps and share it with our TikTok followers! We're so happy to be supporting Diabetes UK NI, raising money and spreading awareness for a cause close to both our hearts. We hope everyone has as much fun as we did."
Kath Abrahams, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, said: “In a year that’s been tough for all of us, this World Diabetes Day we want to ask our community to show the big difference we can make when we come together.
“We would love people to take part in the challenge and paint their nails, not only as a way of raising awareness, but also to show support for loved ones living with diabetes, and thank the people who have been there for them on the days they haven’t felt like they’re ‘nailing it’ - whether that’s their partner, their best friend or their diabetes nurse."
"Diabetes can feel overwhelming sometimes, but we’re in this together – and together we'll make a difference.”
To get involved:
- Find your blue nail varnish
- Paint your nails (be as creative as you like, we'd love to see all your nail art designs!)
- On Saturday, 14 November, share your photo using the hashtag #NailingDiabetes
- Make a donation by texting: NAILS 3 or NAILS5 (to donate £3 or £5) to 70507
