A DILTON Marsh woman who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years has been presented with a medal to commemorate the milestone.

Julie Higgins, of Petticoat Lane, was diagnosed with the condition when she was just four-years-old and has to inject herself with insulin up to six times a day.

On Tuesday she was congratulated by diabetes specialists and her family at Warminster Community Hospital before being handed the Alan Nabarro medal by diabetes consultant Dr Mimi Chen, from the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Mum-of-two Mrs Higgins, 54, said: “It was lovely to be awarded with the medal, especially as my whole family were there.

“Living with Type 1 diabetes isn't easy and I’ve faced lots of challenges over the years but better healthcare and medical advances have made it easier to live with.

“Instead of having to boil syringes and needles before using them, for example, I now carry a pen around in my bag which makes things so much more convenient.

“I can now also test my blood sugar levels instantly with the use of a small machine I carry around, but that wasn't possible back in the day.

“Of course it’s not always easy to control blood sugar levels but I have tried to remain positive for the 50 years I’ve lived with the condition, and that has been made easier thanks to medical staff and my family.”

Type 1 diabetes accounts for five to 10 out of 100 people who have the condition. The body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body.

Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar which they need to produce energy.

Diabetes specialist Lesley Amer said: “It’s becoming more and common for people to be given the Alan Nabarro medal which is great as it shows that people with Type 1 diabetes are living longer.

“I would like to say a huge congratulations to Julie, who always gets on with it and never moans.”

Alan Nabarro fought a lifelong battle against discrimination against people with diabetes and in 1968 was awarded the OBE for his work with young people in London.