12 June 2026
A Wolverhampton patient who has been living with Type 1 diabetes for more than 60 years is sharing her story to raise awareness during a health campaign.
Heather Clarke, from Perton, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six and has now been managing the condition for 61 years.
During Diabetes Awareness Week, she hopes that sharing her story will help increase understanding of the condition and remind people that support is available.
Over the years, Heather has witnessed significant advances in diabetes care and technology, helping people with the condition manage their health more effectively.
Despite this progress, she says living with diabetes remains a daily commitment.
Heather said: “Diabetes is something that is with you every day. You have to think about what you are eating, monitor your glucose levels and manage your insulin carefully.
“Technology has come a long way since I was diagnosed, and it has made a huge difference to my life, but it is still important that people understand the challenges of living with diabetes.”
Heather uses an insulin pump and glucose monitoring technology to help manage her condition and has been supported by the Diabetes Centre team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust for many years.
The 66-year-old added: “The support I receive from the Diabetes Centre has been invaluable. Knowing that the team is there whenever I need advice or guidance gives me real confidence.
“They have always been there to support me, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done over the years.”
A keen fundraiser and advocate for diabetes awareness, Heather has supported a number of charitable causes and campaigns, helping to educate others about the realities of living with diabetes.
She is also a campaigner for Lyla’s Law, a UK health campaign advocating for routine, mandatory point-of-care testing (such as finger-prick blood or urine tests) for Type 1 diabetes in children whenever they present with symptoms.
She said: “Lyla’s Law was created by a father who lost his daughter to diabetic ketoacidosis, and I am a huge advocate for the work they are doing.”
Heather added: “People don’t always see the work that goes on behind the scenes when you’re living with diabetes. That’s why awareness is so important.
“If sharing my story helps even one person understand the condition better or seek support, then it is worthwhile.”