I was a very active teenager, just finishing out 8th grade, getting ready for the summer when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I was at graduation parties chugging cans of pop because I was so thirsty. I was eating nonstop, yet lost about 20 lbs in 2 weeks. I was in the bathroom every 5 minutes, and hardly had energy to walk up a flight of stairs. An older lady from my church pulled me aside one day and told me that if I needed someone to talk to about anorexia, she would be willing to meet with me. My friends thought I was bulemic, and the muscle cramps I got in the middle of the night were becoming unbearable. One saturday morning, my mom decided to bring me to the doctor. It was a complete shock being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, as the only thing I knew about it was that it was the "one with the shots". I spent several minutes during each mealtime just trying to build up the courage to give myself a shot. About a year and a half later, I was able to go on a pump. It was a big day for me, as I felt that I got a lot of freedom back. I soon realized that I may have had a little TOO much freedom, as I was eating anything I wanted, whenever I wanted to. 9 years later, I have found my passion in seeking out other diabetics and helping them increase the value of their life by helping them reach their health and fitness goals. Knowing there are people in your life that love and support you is important, but there is nothing like connecting with fellow diabetics who walk the same walk you do, day after day. The lifestyle of a diabetic isn't an easy one as the pokes, headaches, diziness, frustration, and the sense of lonliness can be a daily occurance. Conquering diabetes is much easier to do when you have a community of fellow diabetics walking the path with you.

Hannah Bartlett
Newton, IA