About Joslin's Medalist Program
History of the Program
Joslin first began awarding medals to people with diabetes in 1948 with a 25-year Victory Medal. Believing that proper self-management was the k.jpg)
ey to minimizing long-term complications, the program was the vision of Elliott P. Joslin, M.D. and served as an incentive for those committed to good, though challenging, diabetes care. In the early 1950s the name was changed to the Blue Ribbon, and as more and more people lived long healthy lives with diabetes it finally became the 25-year Certificate that is awarded today. In 1970, Joslin expanded the program and began awarding a 50-year bronze medal. And Joslin presented the first 75-year medal in 1996.
Awards to Date
Since 1970, Joslin Diabetes Center has presented more than 2,632 50-year medals. Joslin has also awarded 23 distinctive 75-year medals from 1996 to present. To date, more than 636 people have received certificates recognizing 25 years with diabetes.The medalist program is far reaching, and Joslin has awarded medals across the country and around the world. Medals have been presented internationally to recipients in Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hungary, Japan, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, South America, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
50-Year Medalist Study
Joslin's 50-year medalists are invited to participate in a special study, examining outcomes of long-term diabetes. The study attempts to understand what factors contribute to the longevity of individuals who have received this honor. Currently, over 400 medalists are interested in participating in the study. To date, over 300 of these have completed an extensive questionnaire about their life with diabetes. Data from this questionnaire suggest that the risk of kidney, eye, and nerve problems is different after 50 years with type 1 diabetes than the risk among all individuals with the disease.
A second study is currently being undertaken, which examines factors in the blood and DNA that may help in modifying the risk for complications and survival. Participation in this study is open to all individuals residing in the United States who have received the Joslin 50-Year Medal. In coming months, updates for this study and findings from the previous study will be posted on a separate Web site. For further information on participating in this study, e-mail Alysha Berger, or for further information on the 50-Year Medal, e-mail the Medalist Program Coordinator.
To make a donation supporting the Medalist Study, click here.
To become a Joslin Medalist and submit your story, please click here.
For additional information, please contact:
Medalist Program Coordinator
One Joslin Place, Suite 745
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 732-2412 or (888) JOSLIN-2
medals@joslin.harvard.edu
