R D Lawrence

Aberdeen, Scotland, 1892 - 1968

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About MeThe surgeon R D Lawrence, known as Robin, was born in Aberdeen. He became a champion of welfare for patients with diabetes and developed one of the earliest and largest diabetic clinics in the country at King’s College Hospital, London. Lawrence studied at the Grammar school and initially studied languages at the University of Aberdeen. Robin graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen and went on to practice in London. One day while carrying out an operation, a sliver of bone flew into his eye. His injury was slow to heal and following a medical assessment it was discovered that Robin had diabetes, which at that time was untreatable.

At the time, in the early 20th century, diabetes was normally fatal. Initially he managed his condition through a specialised diet, but in 1923 Robin was one of the first recipients to be given the newly-discovered drug, insulin. Having moved to Florence to spend his remaining time there he was called back to Britain by his friend G.Harrison at King’s College Hospital, London, with the message ‘I have got some insulin. It works. Come back quick.’

His first injection effectively saved his life. Lawrence quickly learned how to manage diabetes and became a leading specialist in the field. His books, The Diabetic Life and The Diabetic ABC both ran to numerous editions. He and his close friends are credited with creation of the Diabetic Department at King’s College Hospital, of which he subsequently became head.

In 1934, he conceived the idea of an association for and of diabetics to foster research and encourage education and welfare. To this end a group of doctors and diabetics met in the London home of Lawrence's patient, H. G. Wells, the scientist and writer, and the Diabetic Association was formed. When other countries followed suit it became the British Diabetic Association (the BDA). Lawrence was Chairman of the Executive Council from 1934–1961 and Hon. Life President from 1962. His enthusiasm and drive ensured the life and steady growth of this association which soon became the voice of the diabetic population and constantly sought to promote the welfare of diabetics. There are now active branches through the country.

He was also a prime mover in production of "The Diabetic Journal" (forerunner of Balance), the first issue of which appeared in January 1935. Many articles thereafter were contributed by himself anonymously. He and colleague Joseph Hoet were the main proponents in founding the International Diabetes Federation and he served as their first president from 1950-1958.

He died at home in London on 27 August 1968. The Lawrence medal is still issued to patients who have lived on insulin for 60 years or more. The annual RD Lawrence Lecture is funded by Diabetes UK. Whilst the RD Lawrence Fellowship, also funded by Diabetes UK, was established in 1976 to encourage relevant early stage career research.

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