Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

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Her Majesty is patron of the charity Diabetes UK, who campaign for those affected by the disease. Tuesday marked 100 years since the first successful treatment of diabetes with an insulin shot.

In a message to the charity, the Queen hailed the anniversary of the lifesaving treatment.

She said: “On the 100th anniversary of the first successful treatment with insulin, I send my warmest good wishes to all those living with and affected by diabetes.

“This milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate this breakthrough that continues to improve the lives of people living with diabetes around the world.

“I extend my thanks for the ongoing hard work and dedication of the scientific, medical and research communities, who work tirelessly to further advance their understanding of the condition.

“As patron of Diabetes UK, I send my greetings to all staff and volunteers, and hope that the discoveries yet to come bring you ever closer to achieving your vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

On January 11 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy, became the first person to receive an insulin injection.

Three years before, the boy had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which until then had killed everyone who had been contracted the disease.

Leonard lived for another 13 years after receiving the treatment.

Martin Rutter, professor of cardio-metabolic medicine at the University of Manchester, paid tribute to the anniversary of insulin.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: “The life of people with diabetes has been absolutely transformed over the last century.

“Diabetes was a death sentence, basically. People would last for a few weeks or months.

“They’d have to restrict their carbohydrate intake… but eventually they would die of insulin deficiency.”

Diabetes is one of the UK’s most severe long-term health challenges, affecting around 4.7 million people in the UK.

Around 10 percent have Type 1 diabetes in the UK and 90 percent have Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by a misfired autoimmune reaction, where the immune system essentially attacks itself by mistake, destroying the cells in the pancreas used to make insulin.

After a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, you need insulin for the rest of your life.

Type 2 diabetes is often linked to being overweight or inactive, but patients do not initially need insulin treatment until decades after a diagnosis.

It comes after plans for Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee were released by Buckingham Palace.

A four day bank holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5 is planned.

In addition, initiatives are planned including The Queen’s Green Canopy and the Platinum Pudding competition will create a lasting reminder of The Queen’s Jubilee.

The Queen’s private estates will also join in with special Jubilee themed events offering more opportunities for members of the public to celebrate the historic milestone.

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