Turning 21 has been the biggest birthday that I've had in quite awhile. I've been celebrating for the past three days with family and friends. For a birthday that really doesn't mean much to me. Yet somehow, I've turned it into a major event.

Being 21 feels better, just because it feels less like I'm still a kid and more like I'm an adult. Telling people I'm 21 instead of 20 will definitely be nice, I'm sure. But otherwise, this birthday and those numbers don't mean much to me.

Because I've generally decided that I won't drink. So being legal for alcohol isn't that exciting. (However, being legal for Las Vegas casinos is!)

There are several reasons why I've made a decision not to drink alcohol on a regular (or even occasional basis). I'm reserving alcohol for special occasions (like my wedding) or small sips here and there whenever I'm feeling in the mood. But I will bet you that I generally still order "virgin" drinks despite my new found legality.

My first reason to not drink is simple. I don't have a longing to. The idea of drinking alcohol, getting drunk, or even getting tipsy doesn't sound so appealing to me. Maybe it's the fact that my mother has told me for years that getting drunk must feel a lot like being low (a lack of control, spinning head, butterflies in your stomach, and so on). It's a simple fact that I just don't care to drink (and I really don't like the taste of alcohol in any form anyway).

The second reason that I've chosen not to drink regularly is because of my diabetes. Although I know that diabetics can successfully drink (and I'll be following all diabetic protocol when I do decide to have a glass of wine or a margarita), it's still a gamble that I choose not to put myself through. Knowing my history of lows, severe night lows, and seizures, my educated decision is to avoid these on a regular basis (or the risk of them through alcohol).

My third reason is a family reason. A long history of alcoholism in my family that I'm not willing to repeat. So I refuse to even tempt myself with drink after drink or regular consumption of that liquid. It's a history that brings pain when I consider it. A history that I just absolutely refuse to pass on to my kids.

So those reasons make it pretty simple to just say no when it comes to alcohol. But, I am 21 now. So tonight, I'm allowing myself the choice of one drink. To celebrate, to see how it feels, and to bring this adulthood into full fruition.

I may not go through with it. But if I do, I'm making sure to take all necessary precautions. I'll be eating with my alcohol. I'll also be testing my blood sugar every two to three hours, including several overnight checks. And I'll have all sorts of snacks nearby, just in case. The downside is that alcohol-induced lows do not respond to glucagon. So if something happens to prohibit my ability to eat when low, I'll be making a desperate emergency room trip (well, someone will be taking me on that trip considering).

Whichever route I choose tonight, diabetes will be in the forefront of my birthday. Turning 21 is still a birthday with diabetes looming over my shoulder. Despite that, I'm still living my life (and saving for a Las Vegas trip!).