Medal given to man from Wales for living 50 years with type 1 diabetes

A pensioner from Glamorgan has been presented with a prestigious award after living with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years.
George Knight, 77, was awarded Diabetes UK’s Alan Nabarro Medal for managing his condition for more than half a century. He picked up the accolade on 4 March at Diabetes UK Cymru’s yearly event for volunteers.
Mr Knight spoke of the major improvements in healthcare that he has witnessed since being diagnosed back in 1964, aged 24.
“The amount of information and support available to people with diabetes is incredible these days, especially when you compare it with how little there was when I was first diagnosed in the 1960s,” Mr Knight told the Penarth Times.
“Things have improved so much since I was first diagnosed and I can’t wait to see future developments in diabetes treatment and care. I especially want young people with type 1 diabetes to know that even though it isn’t easy to live with this condition, you can still have a full and healthy life.”
Mr Knight knew something was wrong whe, aged 24, his weight plummeted from 11 stone to seven (70 kg to 44) . He was rushed to Llandough Hospital after a visit to his GP, where he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
But the condition has not held George back and he is still a committed member of the Glamorgan Diabetes UK group. He regularly supports people at meetings which take place at the hospital which treated him.
Dai Williams, director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “George is an absolute inspiration. He has really shown how to live a long and healthy life while managing his diabetes well.”
The Alan Nabarro award is presented to people who have had diabetes for 50 years. It is named after Alan Nabarro, who had type 1 diabetes for most of his life, and was given an OBE in 1968 for his campaigning work to stand up for the rights of people with the condition and also supporting young people with it.