I was in 6th grade, only 12 years old. What is a 6th grader supposed to know about T1D? As weeks by went by, I was filling up my water bottle 4-5 times a day, constantly going to the bathroom, and having to squint my eyes to see the board in class. I was completely unaware of the symptoms because my little self didn't believe I was ever going to get a disease. My parents just thought it was the flu, because I was nauseous all the time. Then, it all hit me. Saturday June 12th, 2008, is when I was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that I was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Basically, a diabetic coma. I don't remember anything after being wheeled into the hospital; it was all a blur. I lost about 30 lbs over those past weeks, and my blood sugar was over 700. The doctor said that if we were to have waited one more day to bring me in to the hospital, that he wasn't sure if I would've made it. Scariest thing ever for my parents.
I was in the hospital for about a week, learning how to test my BS, give insulin shots, count carbs, etc. It was a long process, but I eventually got the hang of it.
Now, I'm 18 years old. Just graduated high school. Insulin pump user for 4 years. And looking back on it, I'm blessed that God gave me this battle for me to fight. I've become much more responsible and have managed to control my diabetes very well. I'm inspired to become a Certified Diabetes Educator, working in hospitals with newly diagnosed diabetics. Although us diabetics all have our ups and downs with this disease, it's part of what made me who I am today. As they say, you don't know strong you are until being strong is the only option you have.

But day by day, we are getting one step closer to the cure. I can't wait for the day when I can say "I used to have diabetes."

Natalie Bartos
Batavia, IL