Because I was diagnosed at age 14, I can only speak about not having diabetes from the perspective of a child. I lived 14 years free of diabetes. As a young kid, I did experience a few random episodes of hypoglycemia, but never did I imagine myself becoming a person with diabetes. I didn't even know what the word was. I remember one distinct conversation that I had with a friend's mom. She was talking to me about a guy that we both knew named Curtis. Curtis was a soccer referee and before I knew about my diagnosis, I remember her telling me that he was, "a diabetic and that he had to take shots everyday". Looking back I can remember my exact feelings and reaction to this. I thought, "MAN!" that's gotta SUCK!" "He's got to take shots everyday to stay alive!?" I even went as far as picturing what his face looked like and then telling myself, "well that makes sense that he has diabetes",in some weird way I convinced myself that was what a diabetic person looked like. I'll never forget that moment. I'll never forget what Curtis looked like to me. It is the only memory that I have, as a non-diabetic, ever talking about the disease that I would one month later find out I had.

So today is World Diabetes Day and that makes me extremely happy! Kids and adolescents with diabetes are very special people. Not only do they have the difficulties of being a kid, but they also live life everyday like an adult. Diabetes forces you to make tough decisions, be extra organized, and always plan ahead. Kids with diabetes have it hard. On one hand, kids just want to be kids, but on the other hand, they have to live life unlike any of their friends. You definitely feel uniquely segregated. It's living life as a minority. Most likely, there are a few other diabetics in your school. The type of loneliness that a kid with diabetes feels is exclusive. It's not like you can just go hang out with the other diabetic kids in school. Other kids find it easier to "fit in" with their "in crowd". With diabetes, you have no crowd. You're a loner of sorts. You travel through life solo in many ways. If you're lucky, you will have good friends that care about you no matter what. You don't want to hang out with people who don't respect your special needs. Instead, hang with people who want to help you grow as an individual.

Today is a momentous day and I feel lucky to be a part of it and celebrate it with you all. It seems like everyday scientists are getting closer and closer to a cure. As people with diabetes, we have to stand together and stand proudly. We can all help our own cause and thousands of others. Share with people that it is World Diabetes Day and let them know how they can help the millions of people in the world who are living with diabetes. Thank you. -Andy