What do you remember about being diagnosed? Was it hard adjusting?
     I remember everything! I was diagnosed when I was 17, the day before I was supposed to leave to go to the Military Ball. My endo. didn’t even check to see if I was in DKA, didn’t put me in the hospital, just sent me home after giving me a shot!

What kind of treatment are you on? What do you like about it?
     Currently using an insulin pump, (Deltec Cozmo) But I switch back and forth between shots. I don’t really prefer one to the other, but actually have better control when I am on shots.

How did you tell your friends about your diabetes? What was their reaction?
     I usually don’t just come out and tell them, I will check my blood sugar in class or in front of them at a meal. Then comes the typical question: “Are you diabetic?” and that’s how my friends find out.

What kinds of things do you do for fun and how do make sure diabetes doesn't interfere?
     I do everything I did before I was diagnosed; now I just have to be more careful. I don’t allow my diabetes to interfere with those activities by keeping up with it and managing it before I go and do those activities.

What is the hardest thing about living with diabetes?
     I’m really worried about getting complications, the shots and blood sugar testing don’t bother me that much though.

Do you have a good experience that has come from having diabetes?
     Oh yes!! Diabetes camp!! Love it!! I was a camper at Camp Sweeney for two years, and now I’m a counselor at Camp Aurora!

Why do you think it’s important to have support from other teens with diabetes?
     You need to be able to talk about your problems with people your own age, who are experiencing the same thing, and understand exactly what you are going through.

If a newly diagnosed teen came up to you and asked you to tell them three things they should know about living with diabetes, what would you say?


     1. Use it to your advantage.

     2. There is a reason you have it! (its up to you to figure out what that reason is!)

     3. Don’t give up, sometimes its harder, other times it easier!

Have you ever been depressed about having diabetes? How did you deal with that?
     Oh yeah! Usually what I will do is call one of my friends that is going though the same thing I am, and realize the friendships I have developed because of having diabetes! Always cheers me up!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
     I’m in school to become a deaf education teacher, going to be here for a loooongg time.

Who is your inspiration?
     Anyone who is doing what they’ve always dreamed of doing!