Even Celebrity Teens Live with Diabetes!

About three years ago, 14 year old Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He had all the classic symptoms: guzzling absurd amounts of water, losing 15 pounds for no clear reason, feeling absolutely exhausted and emotionally miserable. His brothers said he was ordering them to get him pizza and always yelling at them-something he of course didn't usually do!

His blood sugar was 700 by the time he went to the doctor with his mom. He instantly asked the doctor if he was going to die (I asked that, too!). He also asked himself, "Why me?" Then, he says, he asked, "Why not me?"

Nick realized diabetes was just going to become a part of his life-a challenge, yes, but he was ready to take it on.

Just like us, Nick has regular encounters with people asking him rather annoying questions about his diabetes and telling what him to do. When he's on an airplane and orders a diet soda, the flight attendants tell him he doesn't need a diet soda, because he's "thin enough."

(Sometimes to avoid this, I say, "I just want to double-check that this is diet because I have diabetes," and that helps the waitress understand how important it is that the drink is indeed diet.)

Nick first used insulin pens, but he's upgraded to a pump (the OmniPod), and even showed it off at a recent Diabetes Research Institute concert, holding up his shirtsleeve where the pump was placed into his arm.

But Nick has made it very clear that diabetes isn't going to stop him from accomplishing anything. "I want people to know I am not going to let this slow me down."

His positive attitude is the main reason diabetes hasn't gotten in the way of his music or his happiness. "I want to let kids know that it doesn't have to be so hard. The most important thing is to never, ever let yourself get down about having diabetes, because you live a really great life as a kid with diabetes."

NICK'S TIPS FOR KIDS WITH DIABETES

1. Don't be afraid to tell your friends. Use it as an opportunity to get closer to them.
2. Drinking and smoking are not something I want to do. Not only because of diabetes-it's not a lifestyle I'm into.
3. Every diabetic has foods that won't work for them [that send their blood sugar soaring]. Mine are pancakes and soda. (Learn more about diabetes-friendly foods)
4. When your blood sugar is low, drink some juice. When your blood sugar is high, drink water, relax, and watch your temper.

Original article: Type 1 Pop-Star Nick Jonas Tells His Story