Love Island’s Marcel Somerville reveals he nearly died after being rushed to hospital with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes
IT took almost dying for Love Island's Marcel Somerville to learn he had type 1 diabetes.
Marcel, 34, who just announced he's expecting his first child with girlfriend Rebecca Vieira, was rushed to hospital earlier this summer with COVID-19 symptoms.
The reality star nearly died after he passed out and was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis [DKA] - a complication of Type 1 diabetes.
The singer's blood sugar levels rose to a dangerously high level and acidic ketones built up in his body leaving him in intensive care for over a week.
He described how sick he got to OK!: "I was throwing up, felt light-headed. I lost weight, my face was sunken and you could see my bones.
"It was because I have Type 1 diabetes, but I only found that out in hospital when they asked, 'Do you know you’re diabetic?' I had no clue."
He said: "I experienced the worst thing you can as a diabetic, so it was a proper shock to the system. But diabetes is very manageable as long as you look after yourself and you stay disciplined with what you’re eating.
"It’s crazy that I didn’t know I had this condition, but if I look after myself I’ll be able to live a normal life."
While recovering in hospital Marcel filmed a series of tubes inserted into his arm before flipping the camera to show his face and expressing his gratitude for being alive.
He said: "This is just a message to everyone that has been sending all their prayers and blessings.
"They don’t go missed, I really appreciate them, I really need them right now.
"It’s been a very, very hard few days for me. Saturday was literally the worst day of my life and I nearly died but, yeah, just keep sending them my way because I really need them. Thank you so much. Big love from Marce."
It's been an intense year for Marcel who also experience a miscarriage sorrow with Rebecca before announcing their exciting baby news.
Telling about the moment he found out he was going to be a dad, Marcel said: "I was in the studio with my headphones on and she tapped me on the shoulder.
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"She had loads of pregnancy tests in her hand, just to make doubly sure. It was crazy! It’s my first baby and I’ve been waiting a long time for this, so it’s just mad.";
The pair have been together for 14 months, with their first pregnancy coming early in the relationship.
Despite their miscarriage heartache, they said the tragedy has made them a stronger couple.