James Norton reveals his health condition sparked ‘pandemonium’ at black-tie bash with Nicole Kidman and Jude Law
At a high-profile gathering, James Norton disclosed that his diabetes led to a chaotic situation because his blood sugar dropped to an extremely low and dangerous level.
At the latest GQ Men of the Year Awards in November of last year, James Norton, known for his roles in The Happy Valley and McMafia, mentioned that an incident occurred while Jude Law was delivering a speech.
James had dosed himself with insulin ahead of what he expected to be a carbohydrate-heavy meal.
In simpler terms, insulin aids the body in taking glucose from food. However, if someone with diabetes uses insulin when they haven’t eaten enough, their blood sugar level could drop to potentially harmful amounts.
To my utter disappointment, I found myself faced with what I can only describe as a “trendy repast”: a starter devoid of carbs – smoked trout sans any bread – followed by an agonizingly prolonged interval before the main course arrived.
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As speeches began between courses, his blood sugar went through the floor.
James remarked, “I was drenched in perspiration,” he explained, finding himself seated at a prominent table across from Nicole Kidman. The room was filled with cameras, making it quite impolite if he were to rise.
On the Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster podcast, the Bafta winner admitted he became so anxious he feared fainting. So, he stealthily approached a waiter and whispered, “I’m diabetic and in urgent need of some orange juice. Could you please bring it right away?
‘That caused pandemonium to break loose. I was looking really ill at this point.’
Initially, there was the juice, followed by a Pret chocolate bar. Lastly, and quite dramatically, a hot bowl of potatoes arrived at his table during the middle of actor Jude Law’s speech.
Behind the scenes, someone had prepared a bowl of potatoes for me. People at the table were asking, “What’s with the obsession for potatoes?” I responded, “Apparently, I look like a potato enthusiast, even during my speech!
Regarding the event that occurred in November, he commented, “Dining out can be tricky because you can’t always control the timing of your meal.
James, a potential candidate for the next 007 role, has been managing Type 1 diabetes since he turned 22 years old. He’s no stranger to similar situations.
Currently, he relies on a device akin to the one used by Lila, Kate Moss’ daughter who manages diabetes, while modeling. This device, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), keeps tabs on blood sugar levels and instantaneously notifies him via his phone.
Prior to employing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), he frequently encountered severe nighttime hypoglycemic episodes, also known as ‘hypos’. These were instances where his blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low, causing him to awaken in a state of alarm and disorientation.
He stated that he would find himself in a state of panic, confused, and frightened, drenched in sweat. It can be particularly alarming for partners to witness as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) incidents can sometimes be severe. As one loses control momentarily during these episodes, he commented further.
The advancements in monitoring technology have truly revolutionized things. In James’ words: “Long before it takes effect, we receive an alert, jolting us awake. Ever since then, my blood sugar levels have been more effectively managed. My sleep quality has significantly improved.
Currently, James uses a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a device he attests enhances both his sleep quality and alleviates anxiety. Moreover, it provides him with enhanced autonomy and stability.
The 39-year-old emphasized that Dexcom significantly improves your life. It’s a substantial change. It provides you with control, and it grants you liberation from diabetes – something absolutely crucial.
As a die-hard enthusiast, I’m not the only one in my family who depends on that device. My dear sister and mother are also avid Dexcom users. It’s quite extraordinary, isn’t it? At our kitchen table, when it beeps, we all leap to grab our phones, asking, “Who could it be this time?” We’re like a well-drilled team, ready to check our devices together.
Regardless of its noticeable presence, Norton mentioned that it doesn’t disrupt his daily routine or physical exercises.
‘People often think that their lives are restricted by activities such as swimming or running, but this isn’t true. I frequently forget about it, and I usually wear mine on my abdomen. (I’m referring to a device or object here.)’
The Bafta-winning actor, previously engaged to actress Imogen Potts for six years (until 2024), received a diagnosis following symptoms like unexpected weight loss, increased urination frequency, and extreme fatigue.
Type 1 diabetes, an enduring autoimmune condition, impacts approximately 300,000 individuals in the United Kingdom and its prevalence is increasing.
Contrary to type 2 diabetes, which is associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a bad diet and insufficient physical activity, type 1 diabetes appears to have a genetic basis.
In more casual terms, Norton now refers to his condition as a sort of “mini-superpower,” as it provides him with an extraordinary level of empathy towards anyone who possesses something that sets them apart in some way.
For a while now, James has taken an active role in promoting understanding about this health issue. For example, he participated in various educational sessions organized by the National Health Service (NHS) regarding advanced diabetes management technologies.
As a die-hard admirer, I can hardly contain my excitement about the upcoming role of my favorite actor in the BBC drama, “King & Conqueror.” This masterpiece is expected to hit our screens sometime this year, and I simply cannot wait!
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2025-06-11 13:49