'Celebrating 40 years with diabetes...'

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in September 1967 at the age of 11. So yes I am celebrating 40 years as a diabetic - and I do mean celebrating!

Perhaps I have been lucky as I know there are many diabetics that, no matter how hard they try, do have difficulties with control.

I had a wonderful start to my diabetes care in Belfast and after our marriage moved to London. 

My husband is a member of HM Diplomatic service, so imagine my astonishment when my first doctor at a diabetes clinic in London stated that  under no circumstances was I to consider following my husband around the world !

I promptly had my GP refer me to Kings College Hospital, London, where I have received excellent care since, including participating in the DAFNE trial.

Over the past 27 years, my husband, son and I have lived in and travelled around  Mexico, Romania, Uruguay and Tunisia.  We are now living in South Africa in the first months of a four-year tour.

How glad I am that I ignored that doctor who told me not to travel with my husband.  I have enjoyed a wonderful life with very minor health problems and after our tour in Africa hope to have one more posting overseas.

Our son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, also at the age of 11 and I am confident that I have inspired him to lead a normal and full life. So yes, once again, I am CELEBRATING 40 years as an insulin-dependent diabetic!

Mrs Arlene Jeffrey