The National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) in partnership with the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) held an excellent public engagement seminar at UCLan, Preston on 19th March 2025. This was part of NFHW’s ongoing series of such public engagement seminars that are held to empower the community to improve their health and wellbeing.

In the seminar, four individuals who have been living with a collective 250 years of Type 1 diabetes shared their personal stories which not only demonstrated their resilience but also highlighted progress in the management Type 1 diabetes.

Mrs. Anne Costich, an 82-year-old retired teacher recounted being diagnosed with diabetes just five days before her wedding when she was in her twenties and posted overseas. She was treated by Dr. Arnold Bloom and had family. She later joined what is now Diabetes UK and dedicated her life to helping others with the condition. A former General Secretary of her local Diabetes UK group, she reflected on the evolution of insulin therapies and technologies, which have transformed diabetes management.

Mr. Michael McNulty, also 82, shared his experiences of growing up with diabetes from the age of four. He described managing the condition with cumbersome syringes and needles that required boiling to sterilise them, now a thing of the past. Despite these challenges, Mr. McNulty enjoyed a distinguished career in the Ministry of Defence and served as a South Ribble Borough Councillor. A long-standing Rotarian, he emphasised the importance of self-care in living with diabetes.

Dr. Arun Vithlani, a 75-year-old dental surgeon from Preston, recalled being diagnosed at the age of 13 in Tanzania, where local doctors had little experience with diabetes and where the nearest pharmacy was nearly 500 miles away! He recounted the challenges of managing his condition in his early years and during his student life in Liverpool, where he sought treatment while keeping his diagnosis private from peers.

Mrs. Barbara Fletcher, diagnosed at age 10, shared memories of being told she’d have to live on cabbage soup.  She had to spend six days in the hospital stabilising her blood sugar. She also recalled overcoming hypoglycaemia during her life but didn’t let the condition stop her from fulfilling her passion for travel. She proudly displayed her Alan Nabarro Medal (50 years), Robert Lawrence Medal (60 years), and McLeod Medal (70 years) awarded for her remarkable journey with diabetes.

Additional speakers included Gill Kear, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, who emphasised the supportive role of healthcare professionals, and Christine Elwell, a dietitian, who advocated for empowering people with diabetes to lead fulfilling lives.

Professor Satyan Rajbhandari, Consultant Diabetologist and Clinical Champion of Diabetes UK, highlighted revolutionary advancements in diabetes treatments, including artificial pancreas technologies and beta cell transplants. He also shed light on the global diabetes epidemic, now affecting approximately 828 million people worldwide.

This event was a testament to the perseverance and determination of those living with diabetes and underscored the critical work being done to improve diabetes care and support.

Professor Romesh Gupta, Chairman of NFHW welcomed everyone at the start of the event where as Professor Amit Sinha, president of BIDA, proposed vote of thanks. Mr Russell Hogarth, and Dr Mrs Alpana Asurlekar representing UCLan/Creative Community Group and the School of Medicine and Dentistry respectively facilitated smooth running of the event and were helped by student volunteers.

For further information regarding future public engagement seminars and other events organised by NFHW, please contact National Forum for Health and Wellbeing Ms Sarifa Kabir, Secretary sarifa.kabir@btinternet.com or Professor Romesh Gupta, Chairman Romesh.gupta@nfhw.org.uk

Below is selection of photos of the event