I look forward to getting my 70-year medal - I might even refuse a cure!

I have had Type 1 diabetes since I was three years old, and do not know any other way of life other than eating healthily, and respecting my medication regimen. To me, being diabetic is about living a healthy life, taking responsibility, and respecting the fact that while you can do the majority of things other people do, you always bear in mind the fact that you just have to take a little more care.

I have no complications and have been diabetic for 25 years now, and have done all the stuff my mates have done, including uni and clubbing holidays in Ibiza. Diabetes has not affected my work at all.

                                                 Andie on holiday

My healthcare has improved immensely over the years. When I was a child I was made to feel 'naughty' when I had high sugars, I dreaded appointments, and remember being told off for taking too long and therefore delaying other patients when reluctant to show my male doctor my injection sites during my self-conscious teen years. Now I  feel like a respected member of the team when I go to appointments, reflecting the move towards patient-centred care.

I am proud of being diabetic and managing it to the extent that I do, it is part of my identity. I look forward in my old age to collecting my medal for successfully managing 70 years of insulin treatment - and, as my partner has joked, will likely stubbornly refuse a cure if it becomes available, just to get my medal!

Your comments on this story

Silvia said: "Thank you for this lovely story. Truly positive reading."

Paul said: "I like the angle on your rebellious teenage years, I've been Type 1 for 14 years. Not  proud of a condition that has dire consequences and can change you in a split second from mild mannered to nasty hulk-type person or into a gibbering wreck. Anyway, good to hear you have good control."

Steve said: "What a wonderful story, mine is very much the same. I'm now a 34 waist and am coming out of depression. I'm learning to live with diabetes and through exercise I am dropping down to a rather fit guy of 50. The turning point was the diabetes confirmation. Well done and keep up the good work."