‘I don’t want to take any risks this winter’

Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith, 37, was shocked by his diabetes diagnosis – but it’s encouraged him to be extra-careful when there are viruses about

Why is it important to you to have your Covid and flu vaccinations?

As a type 1 diabetic, I’m fully aware that the potential side effects of contracting flu, colds or Covid can be more severe and can play havoc with my blood sugar levels. As someone who is immunocompromised and who has experienced these side effects in the past, and with my work schedule presenting shows and shoots all over the country during the Premier League season and upcoming World Cup, I don’t want to take any risks this winter.

I’m aware that the potential side effects of contracting flu, colds or Covid can be more severe

Did your diabetes diagnosis come as a shock to you?

When I was first diagnosed in 2015, it was a total shock to me, and I kept it to myself and close family and friends for a couple of years. I didn’t have any ongoing health issues and had full bloods taken six months prior to diagnosis,