Diabetes isn't just a disease... It's a lifestyle...

I think it's important for people to realize that Diabetes is ust as life threatening as Cancer, and that diabetics do have to live with it for 95% of their life, and we are the only ones that can put a stop to it. Nothing irritates me more than hearing someone say, "Oh my grandma has that too", when they find out I have Diabetes. I believe it is vitally important for people to be aware and informed on the differences between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes. It would help them to realize that in most cases Type 2 Diabetics are able to be cured with diet, exercise, and oral medication, but Type 1 Diabetics aren't as lucky and have to live with it from the moment they are diagnosed. Some Type 2 Diabetics aren't as lucky to be cured, so just like every other person with Diabetes, they are wishing for that little help from all of us in finding a cure. In my opinion, it is important for the U.S. Congress to not only support finding our cure, but also inform ignorant people of what it takes to live with this disease. If people realize what effort goes into staying on top of Diabetes, it wll encourage and motivate them to help take a step closer to a cure. We have spent such a large amount of money, time, and effort in finding this cure, and have come so close, why stop such a good thing from happening and expanding what we already have. The number of Diabetics is increasing as each day passes, and each day that we don't have a cure, the more people we have to help. As I look at myself with Diabetes I often think, "Why me?", but then it hits me, "Why not me?" If God gave me this to live with, it must mean that I am strong enough to get through it and help to someday get rid of it. Strength often comes emotionally and mentally instead of physically, and if we tap into that strength both individually and as a whole it will help us with finding this cure.

My Diabetes is #1 in my life, whether it is raising money for a cure, managing my numbers and doses, or telling other people about what I have to live with and recruiting more to help fight the battle. It is often stated that, "If something does not kill us, it will make us stronger", so instead of killing the effort of finding a cure, why not make it stronger.

P.S. I cut out a small section because it didn't seem very important! :)