I have been diabetic for the past 15 years. When I was young, I noticed that I drank and went to the bathroom a lot, but everyone always told my mom that I was just a growing boy. My sister, who is ten years my senior, and my mother were also diagnosed diabetics. At the age of 16, I went for a physical for my driver's permit where they found ketones in my urine. Soon after this, doctors would discover I had a fasting blood sugar of 453. Despite that I felt fine, the doctor said I should have been hospitalized under these conditions. My mom began to cry at this news, but I reassured her that it was not her fault.

"This was the beginning of the biggest struggle in my life." At age 16, I had to learn how to use a syringe and give myself insulin shots, as they were still not sure whether I was Type 1 or Type 2. The hardest part was realizing that I had to start changing some things. While I did make changes, there are things I still struggle with every day. I am probably the pickiest eater on earth, so trying to keep my sugars down and my weight down has been hard. From the diabetes, I have also developed a problem with my kidneys. I need to consistently make sure that my blood pressure is perfect and stay on top of my medications.

"My wife has been my rock and has always been there for me through thick and thin." She always helps me out to try and eat better and has opened the door to many foods that I never would have eaten. Recently I had a heart stent put in and also had a heart attack at 30 years old. This was a revelation that I needed to take better care of myself and help control my diabetes better which I have. I would love to see a cure in my life time

TJ
York, PA