50 Years as Type 1 Diabetic

[Andy V]

Congrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….

The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.

You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.

But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?

I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.

At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….

I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !

Oh those syringes!! I think my folks injected me with inch long needles and used same needle until "it became more difficult".....!

Diagnosed at 18 month old. Blackmailed into injecting self at 9yr old with a promise of an Action Man....

 

[Dilog 2]

Hey, I absolutely understand what you mean, been Type 1 since May 1970 and as you say probably know a lot more about living successfully with diabetes than most health professionals. The only thing which stops the possible being talked to like I'm ignorant is for me to attend clinic in uniform...I'm an occupational therapist working in the NHS. If In rock up with uniform and badge I get treated extremely differently, almost like a peer!
Hey ho. My 50 year anniversary was celebrated by a friend presenting me with a carriage clock made of cardboard (they're very art and crafty). I burned the clock in a tongue-in-cheek ceremony......

I do so agree - I was diagnosed in 1967 and having gone through some superb specialists who have all now retired, I’m now left with medical pros who may be great with the newly diagnosed but not for someone whose been on insulin for over half a century
Thinking about how I’ve been treated recently it’s been the ‘it’s not good enough’ mantra that they think is helpful - hBa1c should be higher/lower etc I’m alive, have all my limbs, sight, organs are working yet no one has ever said ‘well done’

 

[Glucobabu]

Congrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….

The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.

You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.

But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?

I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.

At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….

I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !

Oh, I too remember those glass syringes, needles and boiling tablets. In fact I have still got them as souvenirs. Diagnosed 47 years ago I don’t expect any medals from professionals - just a ‘well done’ from family and friends would be nice. Having seen you deal with injections and hypos all their life, few recognise the constant hard work, discipline and struggle you go through on daily basis. I was told on diagnosis that if I looked after myself I would easily make it to 55 or even 60. I am now approaching 70 with the constant support from my wonderful, ever understanding and patient wife. The only galling thing is I have been diagnosed recently with Stage1 CLL and Parkinson’s disease which seems like a kick in the teeth after dealing successfully with Type1 for so long! Ah well, who said life was all a bed of roses?

 

[Salll]

Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.

Congratulations on 50 years . I was told about the 50year medals from my diabetes team.

 

[Beepie]

Since I described this in writing not long after, here it is!:
. On 9th July [2009] I had achieved fifty years of diabetes and as such was eligible for the Nabarro Medal which is issued by Diabetes UK in memory of Alan Nabarro, who presented it. The “ceremony” took place in the Diabetic Clinic at The West Suffolk Hospital in the late half of August. I was told to be there at 08.30 and report to the Receptionist. As usual the waiting area was filled with faces that looked stony, resentful, anxious or blank. There wasn't a medic to be seen.
I sat there with Helen [my wife], Stephanie [daughter]and Neil (who were to marry on 29th August) dressed as though I was going to the beach. After a while a gang appeared, spearheaded by Dr Clark:
“Mr Vicat, would you like to stand up please?”
(Er not really)
“Here we have a remarkably fit patient who has lived with diabetes for just over fifty years and is an example to us all.”
(Stony or alarmed expressions abound)
“Can I just say that I would not be here but for the geniuses who work at King's College Hospital, The West Suffolk Hospital and the first hospital to treat me?”
“That may be so, but it is your attitude to your condition that has played a vital role in your survival.”
And so I was presented a medal in a little blue velveteen box. [This didn't have a name or date in it]
I felt curiously deflated.

That sounds a very ungrateful thing to say, but I had been told that there would be newspaper reporters and I certainly wasn't expecting the usual almost depressing background of the clinic. Maybe I'm too vain to be allowed out! When I wrote this I was under the impression that 9th July was the date of my diagnosis. I now know it was 30th July.

I also am 50 years this month and know nothing about medals and such.

 

[Beepie]

I have been a type one diabetic 50 years this month. Nobody has mentioned anything to me about this .Mind you I an attached to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and they don’t really know anything about anything.Haven’t had an appointment at the diabetes clinic for over 4 years .So I’m not really surprised.Well done to all 1972 diagnosed folk ,my very best wishes and congratulations,medal owner or not

 

[david4503]

All of you here more than deserve two thumbs up and a “very well done.” Most people have no idea the amount of effort and dedication required of those like us just to stay alive, much less stay relatively healthy. But those in healthcare should know well enough what you’ve accomplished — and show it occasionally. Here’s hoping that will change sometime soon.

 

[AngryPixie]

I stopped going to diabetic clinic soon after I was diagnosed at 18. Everyone else was old, nurses spoke to me like I was an idiot, then to crown it all, an idiotic podiatrist told me I had nerve damage in my foot and it would travel up to my knee. 'I've only had diabetes a year' I kept telling her. Cue my first panic attack and running freaking out into the clinic weeks later. Luckily I saw an amazing consultant who told me that my new doc marten boots were to blame. I still have anger towards that stupid podiatrist and I'm now 53. 35 years with no complications despite not going to that horrendous clinic. I occasionally see a diabetic nurse in my gp surgery who I have a good relationship with. Not due a 'medal' for another 15 years but they can stuff it for all the help they've been to me. I've done this on my own.

 

[deniski]

For info about 50 year medal and more…


medals for living with diabetes
In recognition of the courage and perseverance of living with diabetes, we award medals to people who have lived with the condition for over 50, 60, 70 or 80 years.
The Alan Nabarro medal

This medal is awarded to people who have lived with diabetes for 50 years. Alan Nabarro waged a lifelong battle against discrimination against people with diabetes. In 1968 he was awarded the OBE for his work with young people in London.

The Robert Lawrence medal
This medal is awarded to people who have lived with diabetes for 60 years. Dr Robert Lawrence co-founded the Diabetic Association, now known as Diabetes UK, with H.G. Wells in 1934.

The John Macleod medal
This medal is awarded to people who have lived with diabetes for 70 years. John Macleod was awarded half of the Nobel Prize for the discovery of insulin.

The HG Wells medal
This medal is awarded to people who have lived with diabetes for 80 years. H G Wells co-founded the Diabetic Association, now known as Diabetes UK, with Dr Robert Lawrence in 1934.

How to claim a medal
To obtain one of these medals, please send a letter of confirmation from the patient’s GP or any healthcare professional confirming their diabetes status. We’ll also need:

• The recipient's name, address and date of birth
  Year of diabetes diagnosis
• Confirmation that the recipient is happy for their personal and health information to be shared with, stored by, and processed by Diabetes UK
• Information regarding who the medal should be posted to.

The medal request letter should be sent to:
Supporter Care
Diabetes UK
Wells Lawrence House
126 Back Church Lane
London
E1 1FH

For more information, email [email protected] or call Supporter Care on 0345 123 2399.

You can find out more about how we use your information on our privacy page.

Facebook group
Join our dedicated Diabetes UK Medalists Facebook group, where you can share your experiences and meet other Medalists.

 

[Grant_Vicat]

I also am 50 years this month and know nothing about medals and such.

Congratulations - I know what you must have experienced in the earlier years of your treatment! You will find @deniski 's advice above unbeatable. The direct link is; https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/medals
Keep up the excellent work!

 

[Grant_Vicat]

I do so agree - I was diagnosed in 1967 and having gone through some superb specialists who have all now retired, I’m now left with medical pros who may be great with the newly diagnosed but not for someone whose been on insulin for over half a century
Thinking about how I’ve been treated recently it’s been the ‘it’s not good enough’ mantra that they think is helpful - hBa1c should be higher/lower etc I’m alive, have all my limbs, sight, organs are working yet no one has ever said ‘well done’

I will say it now. Well done!

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Congrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….

The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.

You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.

But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?

I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.

At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….

I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !

I even have surgical spirit and road drills etc in my diabetes museum!! I was at King's later on, under David Pyke and then Peter Watkins - both geniuses

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Well done you No mean feat! I’ve been Type 1 for 53yrs and am not particularly concerned about medals etc but would like some recognition from the GP and nurses that I have managed for 53yrs with all my limbs intact, healthy heart and kidneys without their help, plus I probably know more than the newly qualified nurse in the surgery! Sorry but I get outraged at being spoken to like an idiot but thanks to my Mum’s hard work and teachings I am here and healthy ‍

Congratulations! I fully empathise.

 

[nurseryboss]

Hello All!
I was diagnosed in March 1964 aged 13. Memories of a packed Diabetic clinic where I arrived before 9 a.m. with everyone else, had my blood taken and waited for 3 hours for the result! When it was nearimg my turn I waited outside the consulting room with two other patients, the door was open. Next I waited inside the room with 2 other patients, behind the patient who was speaking with the consultant! No privacy at all. A five minute consultation ( if that ) heard by the 3 patients sitting behind me and the 3 sitting outside the door. Quite memorable for a 13 year old girl.
Methylated spirit or a pan of boiling water for sterilising glass syringes and blunt needles, sugar cubes for hypos. Thank goodness that everything has improved. I nave had a pump since 2009 and I have a brilliant team at the hospital .
Never had any recognition, but am so pleased to have survived, have two children and three grandchildren, had a good job and owned my own business. Always viewed myself as a person with diabetes, NOT a diabetic person.

 

[Ladybird1]

Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.

Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.

Hello there and well done, when I reached the 50 years mark I mentioned it to my Diabetes team at the hospital where attend. A couple of weeks later I got my medal through the post. Don't know if I'll get anything for the 60 years mark though, I'll keep you updated with that one

 

[garyrose7]

Since I described this in writing not long after, here it is!:
. On 9th July [2009] I had achieved fifty years of diabetes and as such was eligible for the Nabarro Medal which is issued by Diabetes UK in memory of Alan Nabarro, who presented it. The “ceremony” took place in the Diabetic Clinic at The West Suffolk Hospital in the late half of August. I was told to be there at 08.30 and report to the Receptionist. As usual the waiting area was filled with faces that looked stony, resentful, anxious or blank. There wasn't a medic to be seen.
I sat there with Helen [my wife], Stephanie [daughter]and Neil (who were to marry on 29th August) dressed as though I was going to the beach. After a while a gang appeared, spearheaded by Dr Clark:
“Mr Vicat, would you like to stand up please?”
(Er not really)
“Here we have a remarkably fit patient who has lived with diabetes for just over fifty years and is an example to us all.”
(Stony or alarmed expressions abound)
“Can I just say that I would not be here but for the geniuses who work at King's College Hospital, The West Suffolk Hospital and the first hospital to treat me?”
“That may be so, but it is your attitude to your condition that has played a vital role in your survival.”
And so I was presented a medal in a little blue velveteen box. [This didn't have a name or date in it]
I felt curiously deflated.

That sounds a very ungrateful thing to say, but I had been told that there would be newspaper reporters and I certainly wasn't expecting the usual almost depressing background of the clinic. Maybe I'm too vain to be allowed out! When I wrote this I was under the impression that 9th July was the date of my diagnosis. I now know it was 30th July.

Feel sorry for your experience, hope it might make you feel better, but I have had type I for 52 years and nobody has contacted me. I emailed Diabetes UK, saying my consultant had recommended me - NOTHING!!!!

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Feel sorry for your experience, hope it might make you feel better, but I have had type I for 52 years and nobody has contacted me. I emailed Diabetes UK, saying my consultant had recommended me - NOTHING!!!!

That's appalling. They're quick enough to send lottery ads etc. I hope it's simply that they are short staffed. I hope you get due recognition soon. Congratulations Gary!

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Hello there and well done, when I reached the 50 years mark I mentioned it to my Diabetes team at the hospital where attend. A couple of weeks later I got my medal through the post. Don't know if I'll get anything for the 60 years mark though, I'll keep you updated with that one

Congratulations on 50 years! They really should acknowledge 60 years. Here's hoping.

 

[david4503]

I stopped going to diabetic clinic soon after I was diagnosed at 18. Everyone else was old, nurses spoke to me like I was an idiot, then to crown it all, an idiotic podiatrist told me I had nerve damage in my foot and it would travel up to my knee. 'I've only had diabetes a year' I kept telling her. Cue my first panic attack and running freaking out into the clinic weeks later. Luckily I saw an amazing consultant who told me that my new doc marten boots were to blame. I still have anger towards that stupid podiatrist and I'm now 53. 35 years with no complications despite not going to that horrendous clinic. I occasionally see a diabetic nurse in my gp surgery who I have a good relationship with. Not due a 'medal' for another 15 years but they can stuff it for all the help they've been to me. I've done this on my own.

Okay, I have to ask. doc marten boots? They wouldn’t have to do with the “Doc Martin” tv show, would they? That would be ironic if Doc Martin had anything to do with your foot problem. He’s the most sensible doctor I know, real or otherwise. He would never put his name on boots that were bad for our feet. I could see him doing well-fitting running shoes maybe, pending an okay from Louisa.

 

[msamson]

Sorry to hear about your experience.
I've had type1 for 57 years and can remember the stainless steel syringes and needles the size of telegraph poles...lol. This is the first I've heard about 'long service' awards or medals, it has never been mentioned at my gp's or hospital clinic.