North Wales MS champions awareness for Diabetic Ketoacidosis in memory of Flintshire musician

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has again used his platform in the Senedd to raise awareness of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which tragically claimed the life of one of his constituents.

Alastair Thomas, known as Ali, was a singer and musician from Flint. He was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his early twenties.

In October 2018, the 35-year-old father of two felt poorly with what he assumed to be a stomach upset.

After feeling unwell for another day and complaining of back pain, he became disorientated, collapsed, and was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital. Sadly he died five days later.

It was determined that Ali died from Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA is a serious condition that affects people with type 1 diabetes and occasionally those with type 2 diabetes. If not treated quickly, it can be fatal.

It happens when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body. This means the body can’t use sugar for energy, and starts to use fat instead. When this happens, chemicals called ketones are released.

If not checked, ketones can build up, causing the blood to become acidic, leading to acidosis.

Since Ali’s death, his mother, Dee Pennington, has led a campaign to raise awareness of the condition. Mr Isherwood has previously highlighted this in the Senedd.

In Wednesday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, he used his ’90 Second Statement’ to further raise awareness of the condition and the campaign, saying:

“Monday marked five years since the sad passing of my constituent, Alastair or Ali Thomas, from diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of his diabetes. A singer, songwriter and a loved father, son and brother, he lived every day to the fullest and is greatly missed by his family. His sad passing should not have happened.

 “Awareness of DKA has since been his Mother’s main priority and now, in her sixth year of campaigning, Dee Pinnington, who, like her son, lives with type 1 diabetes, continues her essential efforts.

 “Awareness of DKA is as vital as ever, especially during unprecedented pressures on our health services. Understanding the symptoms and alerting medical services properly, so that they can categorise their help and prioritise an ambulance, can be the difference between life and death.

 “Her bilingual leaflet is supported by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Diabates UK Cymru, and today will be shared digitally with General Practitioners across Wales. Campaigners also call for this leaflet or its contents to be available on the NHS Wales app.

 “As part of her campaign, Dee Pinnington has arranged a music festival, Ali Fest 2024, in North Wales on Saturday 6 July next year in Ali’s memory, with all funds raised donated to Diabetes UK (DUK) Cymru.

 “DUK Cymru has sent an e-mail, or, if you haven’t received it, will be sending an e-mail, to extend an invite to you all, because Ali’s story should never be repeated.”