BBC MasterChef star receives health diagnosis after 'not feeling my best on show'

A BBC MasterChef star has received a health diagnosis after 'not feeling my best' on the cookery show. Jordan Johnson, who is aged just 20, has opened up about his 'life-changing' diagnosis as he battles a chronic health condition.

BBC MasterChef The Professionals star Jordan has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, writing: "I had the privilege of competing on this years MasterChef The Professionals @masterchefuZ. It was an unforgettable experience, sharing the kitchen with some truly incredible chefs. The talent, camaraderie, and intensity of the competition were second none."

"What many people didn’t know is that during this, I wasn’t feeling my best. At the time, I didn’t understand why," he said. "Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes which was quite a life-changing discovery that answered a lot of questions. Looking back, it’s clear I wasn’t competing at my full potential, but I gave it everything I had, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.

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"Living with type 1 is a challenge, but it’s also been a reminder of how resilient we can be when faced with adversity. I’m learning how to adapt, both in life and in the kitchen, and I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing boundaries."

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body cannot make a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without insulin the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high. If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to take insulin every day to manage your blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes often starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. There's currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed by checking your blood glucose regularly, tracking what you eat and drink, and adjusting how much insulin you take. It's not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes. It's caused by a problem with your immune system (autoimmune condition).