California man celebrates 85 years living with diabetes

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

When Bob Krause turned 90 last week, it was by virtue of an unflagging determination and a mentality of precision that kept his body humming after being diagnosed with diabetes as a boy.

A leading diabetes- research center named the San Diego resident the first American known to live 85 years with the disease, a life that has paralleled — and benefited from — the evolution in treatment.

Krause’s wife of 56 years, his family and friends celebrated his longevity Sunday with a party and a medal from the Joslin Diabetes Center to commemorate his 85-year milestone.

“Bob has outlived the life expectation of a normal healthy person born in 1921,” said his physician, Dr. Patricia Wu, attributing Krause’s success to his strong character. “He knows that he has to deal with this, and he sees this as a part of his life; he doesn’t let this get him down.”

The trim, white-haired Krause puts it more succinctly: “I’m a stubborn old man. I refuse to give up.”