Man honoured for controlling type 1 diabetes for 60 years

An Australian pensioner with type 1 diabetes has been honoured for controlling his condition for more than 60 years.
Peter Keogh (pictured), who was diagnosed aged 15, has received the Kellion Award from Diabetes NSW and ACT for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for more than six decades.
Every year a Kellion Award is presented to someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes for more than 50 years.
The 75-year-old attributes keeping on top of his health to his love of golf. Speaking to the Australian Daily Telegraph, he said: “I play golf twice a week at Windsor Country Club and also go to the gym. I still remember the day I was told I had diabetes because it was during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
“Only three of us received the Kellion Award and it’s special for me because it means you have beaten diabetes for 60 years. That’s why it’s a called a victory over diabetes.”
Sport has always played a large part in Mr Keogh’s life as he represented Australia in Darwin’s World Masters squash championship. But it is not just exercise that helps him control his diabetes.
Mr Keogh said: “I am very careful with my diet too as you have to be with diabetes. I take insulin injections four times a day but no tablets. I have never smoked. My advice to those with diabetes is to keep active, exercise regularly and watch your diet.”
The award was named after Claude Kellio, who founded the Kellion Diabetes Foundation following the death of his son who died from diabetes. Money raised through the organisation goes towards diabetes research.
Picture: Daily Telegraph