Kingsport Woman Celebrates 75 Years Living with Diabetes

Barbara Hudson was one of the first in the city to be diagnosed with the condition.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Barbara Hudson, a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee, is celebrating 75 years of living with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at just 7 years old in 1951, Hudson was one of the first children in the city to have the condition. Despite the challenges she faced, with the support of her disciplined mother, Hudson was able to manage her diabetes and live a full life, even exceeding expectations that she would not survive long with the disease.

Why it matters

Hudson's story highlights the remarkable progress made in diabetes treatment and management over the past 75 years. Her perseverance and the dedication of her mother to her care serve as an inspiration to others living with the condition, showing that with proper management, a full and active life is possible.

The details

When Hudson was diagnosed in 1951, just 30 years after the discovery of insulin, the condition was not well understood. Many doctors thought she would not survive, and they did not want her to attend school or even get braces. However, with her mother's strict discipline in monitoring her diet, exercise, and insulin regimen, Hudson was able to manage her diabetes without complications. She has since received awards from the Joslin Diabetes Center and Eli Lilly for living 50 years with the condition.

  • Barbara Hudson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1951 at the age of 7.
  • Hudson's mother, Eva Gray, passed away in 1983.
  • In 2011, the City of Kingsport proclaimed February 9th as "Barbara Hudson Day".
  • Hudson will soon receive her 75-year medal from the Joslin Diabetes Center.

The players

Barbara Hudson

A resident of Kingsport, Tennessee who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 7 in 1951, making her one of the first children in the city to have the condition.

Eva Gray

Barbara Hudson's mother, who was instrumental in helping her manage her diabetes through strict discipline and monitoring of her diet, exercise, and insulin regimen.

Joslin Diabetes Center

A leading research and care institution that recognizes people committed to their diabetes care, including awarding medals for 50 and 75 years of living with the condition.

Eli Lilly

A pharmaceutical company that awarded Barbara Hudson for living 50 years with diabetes.

Gale Manley

The president of the Kingsport Diabetes Association, who said that Barbara Hudson's testimony changes people's attitudes about the condition.

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What they’re saying

“My mother's favorite saying was 'God don't make mistakes, just stupid people do, and don't you be one of the stupid people.' That's why I'm still here, because I was raised that way.”

— Barbara Hudson (timesnews.net)

“After talking with her, they realize they can live a regular life.”

— Gale Manley, President, Kingsport Diabetes Association (timesnews.net)

What’s next

Hudson plans to continue her involvement with the Kingsport Diabetes Association and hopes to receive the 80-year medal from the Joslin Diabetes Center in the future.

The takeaway

Barbara Hudson's remarkable 75-year journey with type 1 diabetes serves as an inspiring testament to the power of discipline, determination, and the advancements in diabetes care over the decades. Her story underscores the importance of proactive management and the ability to live a full, active life with the condition.