James Norton, an actor known for his role in “Happy Valley” and who has type 1 diabetes, is set to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story titled “How to Manage a Mammoth.”
This story aims to help families understand and manage a diabetes diagnosis by encouraging children to think of the condition as an animal that can be managed but not cured.
The narrative focuses on eight-year-old Jake, who imagines his diabetes as a mammoth named Mel. With support from his mom and friends, Jake learns to manage Mel so it doesn’t seem overwhelming.
Norton shared his personal experience with diabetes, likening it to managing a “big shaggy dog” named Bruce, who has become his pal over time.
He explained how Bruce, initially difficult to control, has calmed down as he’s learned to manage his condition better. Norton finds comfort in this analogy, feeling happy and relaxed as he has brought Bruce under control.
In an interview with the BBC last year, Norton discussed how he manages his diabetes during performances, keeping glucose shots and food hidden on stage to control his blood sugar levels.
“How to Manage a Mammoth,” written by Dr. Rose Stewart and illustrated by Richard Dwyer, was developed in collaboration with NHS Wales. Norton’s reading of the story will air on CBeebies at 6:50 pm on Friday, 14 June.
