CP: I'm here with lumberjack, one-time monopoly champion, brother-in-law extraordinaire and a downright handsome speciman of a man, Patrick Mauceri. Thanks for joining us today.
 

PM: Hey C-dog.  No problem. Thanks for having me.  Monopoly champ?

CP: Ignore me.
 

CP: Interesting place you chose to meet me at today. So I just put my coins in here and the little peephole opens up? Do people with diabetes frequent this sort of place often?

PM: Well it's our little speakeasy. Only instead of bootlegged whiskey, they serve expensive juice boxes and orange slices. Can I buy you a drink?

CP: Absolutely, thanks. Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. Before we get into the heavy diabetes questions, let me hit you with a question to loosen you up. It's a very common tactic we like to do in "the industry." This is the same question I asked Charlie in a recent interview.

CP: Tell me. Who wins in a fight? The lobster or the crab?

PM: The lobster has the size advantage and can pack a lot of power behind his punches. But the crab is a bit more agile and can throw 'em quicker.  I like the crab by decision.

CP: Charlie struggled with that one. Went back and forth before finally going with the lobster. Though if the lobster has the rubber bands on his claws, he pretty much F-ed.

PM: Yeah.  It's like challenging a one-legged man to an ass kicking contest...

CP: I should clarify that you are not in fact a lumberjack nor are you a one-time monopoly champ. You may have won more than once. That was a cheap shot and I'm sorry. You are, however, my brother-in-law. Like it or not. Would you care to share the story of your diagnosis? How old were you? How did you feel physically and emotionally?

PM: I was 18 (now 36) when I was diagnosed.  I was home from college for Christmas break.  I remember peeing every 15 minutes and going through 2-3 two-liter bottles of soda every day.  I was lashing out at everyone around me.  Physically, I felt weak.  I had lost a tremendous amount of weight - I think I had gone from 160lbs to about 120lbs or so.  Emotionally I was OK.  I was telling myself it was just a viral thing and it would pass.  I was wrong.

CP: I don't imagine you held a press conference, but was it difficult explaining what was going on to your friends? What was their reaction?

PM: I had really no contact with any of my friends during the break with the exception of Crash (my neighbor Paul).  It happened so fast that I really had no chance to explain anything to anyone.  One minute I was home watching TV, the next I was rushed to the hospital and admitted.  While I was in the hospital my parents talked to my friends on the phone and explained to them what was going on - prepped them in a way.

CP: What about at home? You are one of six siblings. What was the reaction of your brothers and sisters? Your parents?

PM: My parents were very concerned at first.  Once I arrived at the hospital they seemed to be more relaxed.  I didn't really see my brothers and sisters reactions because my dad rushed me to the car so fast I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to anyone or explain where I was going.  Honestly, I had no idea what was going on either.

CP: And then after you came home? I guess what I'm trying to ask is, what was life with diabetes like at home? Did you feel alienated in any way because of your new restricted diet, insulin shots, etc?

PM: I didn't feel alienated at all.  It's funny, but I didn't crave junk food, sweets, et cetera.  My mom had stocked up on low-fat, low sugar snacks for me and even started cooking a bit healthier for everyone.  As far as the shots and blood testing went, I did find it hard to poke myself.  If you think about it in a way it is self-mutilation.  Also, having to be on a daily schedule for injections and blood sugar testings was hard at first because I was always a fly by the seat of my pants guy, living chaotically and having no schedule outside of school or work.

CP: For as long as I've known you, I've noticed that you're extremely good about what you eat and it seems through the years you've had good control of your blood sugars. When we're around you at a family gathering or the holidays, I've never even seen you complain. Do you prefer to keep it discreet and a non-topic? Would you say you're fairly private about your diabetes?

PM: I used to be private about it because I didn't want people to pity me or treat me differently.  Just the word, diabetes, is ugly.  It sounds like diahrrea.  I actually felt ashamed of myself for having it even though it wasn't by choice.  It was when Charlie was diagnosed that I changed my view on keeping it a secret.  I didn't want him to grow up thinking having diabetes was something to be ashamed of.   I still refuse to tell everyone I meet but it doesn't bother me to talk about it anymore.  I have no choice.  I have it, I deal with it, I move on. AS far as complaining about it, I never was a complainer.  I think that diabetes, for as bad as it is, really helped me in a way.  When I was in the hospital for 9 days being treated I decided that I would learn how to skate and play hockey and not only did I do that but I excelled at it.  Diabetes forced me to eat healthier, exercise more and really take control of my health. 

CP: You mentioned that you began to view your own diabetes a little differently after Charlie was diagnosed. Obviously you and Charlie have a special bond that goes beyond diabetes, but do you feel a certain connection that way? What went through your head when you heard Charlie had diabetes?

PM: I do feel a connection.  He and I are both in a fight against an enemy that so far has no equal and takes no prisoners.  All we can do is keep fighting back to back until a cure is found.  I've always got his back. When Charlie was diagnosed I broke down.  I cried for a week.  Although I had diabetes and I learned to live with it I knew that it would be much harder on him.  He was so young and didn't deserve it.  Thank goodness he has parents like you who not only take care of him and keep up to date on the latest breakthroughs, but also rally community and family everywhere to join the fight.  Your dedication to the cause of finding a cure is unparalled.  Charlie is one lucky boy.  

CP: Pat, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. I had no idea you went through that. Now I'm crying.

PM: Don't cry.  I just felt so bad.  When I was diagnosed I never reacted and I guess it all came back to me that November day when you guys called from the hospital.  I knew that his life would be hard. 

CP: (sniffle sniffle) F-ing diabetes!

CP: Switching gears. Tell me a little bit about your current diabetes management plan. How has your control been through the years? How is it now? I know you're on manual injections. Have you considered the pump? Does your doctor push the pump or is he happy as long as your management is good?

PM: My control has been pretty good.  I've been exercising more and more - both in the weight room and on the playing field - which really helps keep the extra pounds off.  I do still inject manually and my doctor has been pretty satisfied with my results, but thinks I can do even better with pump.  His rationale is that it will keep my control tighter.        

CP: That's great to hear. Your committment to exercise and healthy eating makes you a wonderful role model for Charlie. I pray that he shows the same strength and sense of responsibility when he grows up. Unfortunately we're all out of time and I'm all out of quarters. Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your life with diabetes. So how does this work? Are we supposed to tip them?

PM: With cash.  Cold hard cash.  Thanks C.

CP: Thank you. See you this weekend?

PM: I think u guys are coming for a bbq Sunday.

CP: Cool. See you then.