Sixteen patients attending the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic at University Hospital Galway were honoured at a special awards ceremony recently held in Croí.
At the Living Well With Diabetes event, Diabetes Ireland recognised these individuals for living with type 1 diabetes, presenting 50- and 65-year achievement medals in acknowledgement of their courage, perseverance, and lifelong commitment to managing the condition.
Fifteen of the 16 recipients received 50-year medals, with one person receiving a 65-year medal. The patients honoured comprised 10 women and six men from Galway, Mayo, Clare and Tipperary.
Currently, approximately 308,000 people are living with diabetes in Ireland.
“We are deeply honoured to celebrate this extraordinary group of people who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more," Tomás Griffin, consultant physician/diabetologist at University Hospital Galway, said at the event. "Their resilience and determination inspire us all, demonstrating that it is not only possible, but empowering, to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives with diabetes.
“Reaching this milestone is never solely an individual achievement. It also reflects the steadfast support, care, and encouragement of families, friends, and communities.
“Over the decades, diabetes care has advanced dramatically, from early insulin regimens and manual glucose testing to modern technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop systems," Mr Griffin continued. "These innovations have transformed daily management and improved both outcomes and quality of life in profound and lasting ways.”
The ceremony highlights both the personal achievements of the recipients and the remarkable advancements in diabetes care over the past five decades, celebrating the resilience of those living with the condition and the support of their communities.
“Our Living Well With Diabetes ceremony celebrates life with diabetes, and it is an honour and a privilege to present medals to people with diabetes who have lived over 50 years managing their condition on a daily basis and adapting to the many changes in treatment over the years," said Kieran O’Leary, CEO of Diabetes Ireland. "This group of recipients are among a special group of 400 people who have received a medal.”
