Speaker 'feels great and ready to get on' after diagnosispublished at 12:40 Greenwich Mean Time 20 December 2019
BBC News Channel
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has been speaking to BBC News about his diagnosis of type one diabetes that he revealed earlier today.
He says he decided to open up about it while filming a documentary about being the Speaker of the Commons, adding: "It allowed me to speak out. I wanted to show where I am at and the fact that I have to get on with the job I got.
"I will live with this, I will manage it and it is about wanting to inspire others."
Talking of inspiration, he has also had the support of former Prime Minister Theresa May, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes herself when she was home secretary.
"[She] has been very nice and very kind in what she's said, saying don't let it affect you," says Sir Lindsay.
"She was the prime minister... and she said she could do the job and she could manage it, and that's the sort of inspiration I have had from other people."
He praised the care he got in hospital in Chorley, his Lancashire constituency, and advised other people "not to shy away" from doctors if they are feeling unwell.
"I realised then this is serious, I have got to deal with it. It is about getting the pace right," he adds.
"Nothing will change. I love my job and I love working hard. I have just got to be more sensible.
"But I feel great, full of energy and ready to get on with my role."