Diabetes patient among UK's oldest

16 May 2012 08:52

Diabetes sufferers can now measure insulin levels with a smartphone app

Diabetes sufferers can now measure insulin levels with a smartphone app

A man from Devon has become one of the UK's oldest type-1 diabetes patients, it has been reported.

John Hegan, who recently turned 80, received his first insulin jab aged just three years old and has been routinely injecting himself with the life-saving hormone for 77 years.

In the year he was diagnosed King George V celebrated his Silver Jubilee and Kit Kats went on sale for the first time.

Mr Hegan, who lives in Brixham, is now a grandfather and is one of the UK's longest ever surviving diabetes sufferers.

While type-1 diabetes can be effectively managed with regular insulin jabs, it can be dangerous if patients fail to adapt their lifestyles accordingly and follow healthcare and diet advice. To this end, people with the illness who wish to travel abroad are encouraged to take out pre-existing medical travel insurance before departing.

Mr Hegan said: "Having injections are now so natural to me that I can't remember a time not taking them. I have lived a normal life, and the only thing diabetes has stopped me doing was joining the Navy for my national service.

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