Five People living with lifelong diabetes honoured at special awards ceremony

On Tuesday, 12 November at a special awards ceremony held in the Diabetes Centre at Sligo University Hospital, Diabetes Ireland honoured five people living with type 1 diabetes with special 50-year achievement medals in recognition of their courage and endurance in living with diabetes.

The five recipients from across Sligo, Donegal and Roscommon who attend the Diabetes Outpatients Clinic at Sligo University Hospital, all received a 50-year achievement medal.

Currently, there are approximately 308,000 people living with diabetes in Ireland.  

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Siobhan Bacon, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Sligo University Hospital said, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all the recipients of this medal for living with type 1 diabetes for 50 years.

“This medal is a testament to your remarkable courage in managing this lifelong condition. Over your 50 year journey with diabetes the changes that you have witnessed are enormous. At diagnosis, 50 years ago, urine testing was the only means of monitoring and cumbersome insulin syringes with restricted diet were the only means of controlling blood sugars. Fast forward to current day and the advances in technology have hopefully made living with type 1 diabetes easier. 

“I would like to thank you for your lived experience and knowledge that you impart to us as healthcare professionals that allow us to help others with type 1 diabetes. I’d also like to acknowledge and congratulate your families, spouses, partners and friends for the support they offer on a daily basis.

“For me personally, I would just like to say that I am in constant awe of those living with type 1 diabetes, your determination to live full and healthy lives is a true inspiration.”

Kieran O’Leary, CEO, Diabetes Ireland said, ‘Our Living Well With Diabetes’ ceremony celebrates life with diabetes and it’s an honour and a privilege to present medals to people with diabetes who have lived over 50 years managing their condition and adapting to the many changes in treatment over the years.

“This group of recipients are among a special group of 297 people who have received a medal.”