By Evan Short

Although never considered a death sentence Type One Diabetes is a serious condition, the managing of which takes the sufferer to be disciplined and always aware of their health – something Gerard Hart has lived with his whole life.

Controllable with twice daily injections of insulin and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, the condition is manageable thanks in no small part to modern medical breakthroughs such as injector pens and tiny blood testing equipment.

When diagnosed sixty years ago however, diabetes was a different matter entirely and few survived beyond the age of sixty due to the difficulties in controlling it. Which makes Gerard all the more remarkable.

The Turf Lodge man was in the Mater Hospital last week to receive a medal for successfully living with the condition for sixty years.

Surrounded by his family and consultants who have treated him over the years, 79-year-old Gerard was given the medal as testimony to how the condition is no barrier to a full life.

Gerard says he remembers the day he was diagnosed clearly.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me but my mother got hold of a doctor’s book and looked it up and she thought that’s what it was.

“I didn’t know what diabetes was until then.”

After diagnosis Gerard was put on insulin injections and has had two injections a day since then without fail.

The injections when Gerard started bear no resemblance to the mini injector pens sufferers use now according to Ian Hopkinson from Diabetes UK, whose organisation created the medal.

“Sufferers back then had to use huge needles that were re-used. When they went blunt the user had to sharpen them. It has totally changed since then.”

Ian said that only “five or six” of these medals are handed out a year because the insulin injections in the 1960's and 1970's were so traumatic. At that time many people with Type One Diabetes refused to take them and died earlier as a result.

But despite going through a twice daily routine akin to stabbing yourself, Gerard and his wife Phyllis went on to have eleven children, nine of whom were in the room to see him presented with his medal.

“I have never been out of work in my life. I drove lorries and then delivered beer and then meals to farmers before I retired at 61.”

Originally from Clifton Street, Gerard has suffered non-related ill-health in recent years suffering two strokes and undergoing heart bypass surgery last year.

But along with his wife, the commitment they have shown to managing his illness meant that his diabetes has not been the cause of any health crises, something Consultant Mark Gormley says is remarkable.

“I presented Gerard with his 50 years medal ten years ago and I’m delighted to be able to give him one for 60 years.

“To get here takes discipline and courage and it’s great to have the whole family here along with the diabetes nurses and community nurses who are involved with Gerard.”

Dr Gormley, who has treated Gerard since 1985, said he was an example of how the condition could be successfully managed.

“He has led a very full life – become a father, a husband, and had an active working life and he has managed to look after himself well over the years.”

Dr Gormley presented Phyllis with a bouquet of flowers for her role in helping Gerard administer the insulin. She said she had her own methods of keeping him in check.

“I kept a big stick behind the door,” she laughed.

Gerard’s daughter Mary Hart Harris said all the children were immensely proud of him.

“We are all very proud. My brother John helps look after him and knows his condition very well. Two of the children are in Canada but nine of us made it along and it’s great to be here”.

For more information on Type One diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk www.jdrf.org.uk