Stephen Dixon, the GB News host who stepped in for Eamonn Holmes on the breakfast show, has taken a leave of absence this week due to complications from Type 1 diabetes. Dixon, 52, announced his temporary departure via a statement from his husband, Daniel, posted on his Instagram account.
"As many know, Stephen has lived with T1 Diabetes since the age of 17," the statement read. "He's been a workaholic for 35 years, spending 25+ of them on the 3am–10am shift, but he has finally crashed. For the first time ever at 50, he's on his first sick note. GB News have been incredibly supportive. He just needs a bit of time to get through this and will be back next week."
Dixon has been hosting the GB News breakfast program while Eamonn Holmes recovers from a stroke he suffered in April. Holmes, 66, had been absent from the show since March 11. A GB News spokesperson confirmed Holmes was taken ill and later suffered a stroke, adding he was responding well to treatment and asked for privacy during his recovery.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells. Symptoms can include frequent urination, extreme thirst, fatigue, and weight loss. In a personal reflection from 2023, Dixon described the constant vigilance required to manage his condition, noting the emotional toll it can take.
"It is a constant drain. Always checking, always monitoring, always calculating. Sometimes it does just get you down," Dixon wrote. He expressed a desire for simple indulgences, like enjoying a pizza or holiday meals, without the constant concern over blood glucose levels. He also spoke about the challenges of maintaining energy levels for demanding work shifts, particularly the early morning breakfast program. "Sometimes I would just love a pizza without worrying that I’m going to feel ill for 24 hours after, I’d love to indulge over Christmas without the same concerns. Or I’d like to go for a walk, or a swim without worrying that my glucose levels will crash through the floor making me feel like I’m about to peg out."
Dixon also mentioned his efforts to mentor young people with diabetes, acknowledging that for the first time, he understood their sense of despair. GB News has reportedly been supportive of Dixon's need for time off, with plans for his return next week.
Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes, distinct from the more common Type 2, involves an autoimmune response. Managing Type 1 diabetes requires consistent monitoring and adjustment of insulin levels, diet, and physical activity to prevent both hyperglycemia and dangerous hypoglycemia. Information from the NHS indicates that Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 90% of cases in the UK, can often be managed through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.