James Norton has revealed that a diabetes-related health crisis caused chaos during Jude Law's speech at the GQ Men of the Year Awards last November. The 39-year-old actor, known for his roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 22.
Norton told the Off Menu podcast that he had taken insulin before the event, expecting a carbohydrate-heavy meal, but was served a 'fashion dinner' of smoked trout without bread, followed by a long wait for the main course. As his blood sugar levels dropped, he began sweating heavily and feared he might pass out.
Seated at the high table opposite Nicole Kidman, Norton discreetly alerted a waiter: 'I said, “I'm diabetic. You need to help me. I need some orange juice really quickly, please.”' He described the ensuing response as 'pandemonium,' with staff bringing orange juice, a Pret chocolate bar, and a bowl of hot potatoes during Law's speech.
'Someone backstage had cooked me a bowl of potatoes. Everyone down the table is going, “Why are you…?” I just looked like a potato-loving glutton. In the middle of the speech as well!' Norton recalled.
He explained the challenges of managing diabetes while dining out, noting that meals cannot be timed exactly. Norton now uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track his blood sugar levels, which has improved his sleep and overall control. He described previous overnight hypoglycaemic episodes as 'scary' for both himself and his partner.
