h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

90 years ago today a medical researcher took a very risky decision and used human insulin to treat a patient with type 1 diabetes.
The patient survived.
I and many others are grateful for this every time we inject insulin to keep us alive.

Over the last week I've been working at a beer festival, something I do a few times over the course of the year. While I was there I was asked if I could do something on the saturday night after hours staff party. I was asked by a good friend if I would present an award to her husband. On hearing what it was I immediately agreed in fact I was very honoured to have been asked. I was asked to present the Alan Narbarro medal to my mate for the fact he has survived with diabetes for over 50 years. The medal is only given out after the diabetes care team apply to Diabetes UK on behalf of their patient. I was shown the complements slip enclosed with the medal after it had been sent to his hospital consultant. It pointed out that he was nearer 60 years with diabetes than 50 and the doctor should be planning to apply for the Robert Lawrence medal for 60 years survival!

This looking back makes my near 11 years with type 1 diabetes seem simple.
It hasn't been.

Having easily available insulins and simple almost pain free injecting devices makes it easier.
Having a friend who I can have a moan and laugh about it all with makes it easier still.

Science is a wonderful thing and it's amazing how medical science in particular has progressed in the last century or so. We rely on those boffins more than we realise and need to learn not to take anything for granted

*mentions LCHF just once and then unsubs*

Don't unsubscribe T. It is one of many management techniques. LCHF, DAFNE, GL all valid methods if they work for you.

I wish more people realised long time survival is possible.And that more doctors realised that not every diabetic is the same. Can you tell this year hasn't been so brilliant? Still 4 painless injections a day is vastly preferable to the alternative. Good luck.