On the 100th anniversary of the first successful treatment with insulin, The Queen is marking the anniversary with a special message.
In a statement, Her Majesty 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.“
The Queen has been patron of Diabetes UK nearly as long as she’s been the Monarch, taking on the role just weeks after her accession in 1952. In 2015, The Queen hosted a special reception at St James’s Palace to mark the charity’s 80th anniversary.
Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy was dying from type 1 diabetes when he became the first person to receive a life-saving insulin injection on 11 January 1922. The Diabetic Association was set up in 1934 by novelist HG Wells and Dr RD Lawrence, both who had diabetes. The charity works to make sure everyone has access to insulin regardless of their financial situation. In 1954, the organisation became the British Diabetic Association (BDA) and was renamed Diabetes UK at the turn of the millennium.
