AN ACTIVE life and a positive outlook has helped Ted Brint from South Zeal lead as normal life as possible since he was diagnosed with diabetes 50 years ago.

In recognition of this milestone year, Mr Brint was awarded the Nabarro medal by Diabetes UK at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last Thursday.

But the recipient says it is his wife June who deserves the credit for supporting him throughout the years.

Diagnosed at the age of 23 after several weeks in hospital with tetanus, Mr Brint said he had always seen his diabetes more as a minor inconvenience than a major problem.

'It is something you become used to,' he said. 'I have lived as normal a life as possible and things have changed so dramatically over the years in terms of treatment and technology.

'Years ago you used to have to sterilise syringes in boiling water after every use but now they are all disposable.'

Mr Brint injects himself with insulin four times a day and sticks to a fairly strict diet and meal times.

Up until his eyesight failed him in the late 1970s, he was a farmer and he and his wife brought up four sons and a daughter.

He said sight problems were a result of diabetes but his were accentuated by an accident with an unprotected bamboo cane in his greenhouse almost 20 years ago, which left him completely blind. If not well controlled the disease can also lead to heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and amputation.

Mr Brint is now accompanied by guide dog Adam, who he goes walking with every day to stay fit and active and the former chairman of the Mid Devon Scout Group remains a parish councillor in South Tawton after 20 years service.

Mr Brint said being diagnosed as a diabetic was a shock for anyone, especially at a young age, but he was living proof that there was a future.

'I have always had great support, not least from my wife, and that has helped me to enjoy my family and working life and do the things I have wanted to do.

'Yes, having diabetes is restricting to a degree but it is just a matter of discipline and being careful.'

Diabetes is on the increase in the UK with one person diagnosed every five minutes and it currently accounts for nine per cent of the NHS budget.

Secretary of the Exeter and District Group of Diabetes UK Alan Merchant said many people were born with diabetes, but were not diagnosed until an illness struck and all the insulin in their body got used up, as in the case of Mr Brint.

'There is also a slow developing diabetes which often strikes later in life but it can be controlled by tablets,' he said.

The Nabarro Medal is named in honour of Alan Nabarro, a former treasurer and honorary secretary of Diabetes UK, who gave life long service to improving care for people with the disease and fighting discrimination.