Engineering Manager shares story to “Strike Out Stigma” this Diabetes Week

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just two years old, Jarrod Lockwood has gone on to build a successful career, now working as Engineering Manager for the North of England at the UK-based powered access rental company.

Diabetes Week is a yearly campaign created by Diabetes UK to raise awareness of the condition while empowering individuals who live with it. 

This year, the theme of Diabetes Week is “Strike Out Stigma”. 8 out of 10* people living with diabetes say they have experienced judgemental attitudes from others, including hurtful statements and being shamed for their condition. 

“When I was younger, diabetes was seen as a weakness,” said Jarrod, “I was told I wouldn’t be able to do certain things. I would be asked if I struggled with low sugar or high sugar, but diabetics have to manage both. You also get the judgemental statements such as ‘you shouldn’t be eating that, you’re diabetic’ – which is completely false, as long as you manage your diabetes correctly. The reality is, you can do whatever you want to do, and raising awareness is just one of the ways we can dismantle the stigma surrounding diabetes. There are also more organisations to help support you than ever, like Dewsbury and Wakefield Young Diabetics (DWYD), a charity that my wife and I volunteer for. I’ve raised money for DWYD in the past by running a sponsored 10km race, as well as a ‘cycle for a cure’ fundraiser for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)”

Jarrod carries a lot of responsibility in his operational role for the engineering department, which sees him travel to different depots to ensure everything is operating as it should be. He is also tasked with briefing team members with consistent feedback, alongside many other duties. 

“I’ve worked for Nationwide Platforms for 16 years, joining the company after I’d completed my apprenticeship with a previous employer. I then worked my way up through the ranks to my current role,” said Jarrod. “I’m proof that people living with this condition can do whatever they set their mind to. During the time that I’ve been managing my diabetes, I remember a time when diabetics couldn’t take on certain roles. Now, these restrictions are a thing of the past.”

“When I first took the role, Nationwide Platforms carried out a risk assessment due to the additional driving required. Now, I have one to two yearly check-ins. I appreciate the company taking an interest in my wellbeing, which makes me feel as though I’m in safe hands. 

“I’ve always been given flexibility from the company when I have doctors’ appointments, but as I’ve had my diagnosis for so long, I don’t feel as though I need much other support. My condition doesn’t affect my ability to work in an environment where safety is key,” said Jarrod.

In recent months, Jarrod has been involved in sharing typical Diabetes signs and symptoms to look out for with Nationwide Platforms employees throughout the UK. The signs and symptoms were shared as part of the company’s weekly depot meetings. 

“Jarrod is a fantastic example of what can be achieved while managing diabetes”, said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Diabetes Week is an important time each year where we can take a moment to ensure that we’re well-informed on how to support individuals that have diabetes, and to put an end to stigmatising behaviour and phrasing when doing so”.

For more information on Diabetes Week: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/support-us/diabetes-week