From his mom, Christina: Benjamin was diagnosed at only 2 1/2 years old. Some of his first words were bolus and diabetes. He has truly grown up with diabetes. It has brought lots of needles, low treatments, high treatments, doctor visits, and even a ride in an ambulance. It has also brought “diabuddy” picnics, friends […]

When I was diagnosed, my small town did not know very much about diabetes. I was given the Pink Panther book and insulin and sent on my way. I learned her trial and error with a lot of things and a whole lot of research on my own. I have made it 25 years and […]

I have been living with type 1 diabetes for over 32 years now. I was diagnosed at 2 years old. I do not remember a life before diabetes. This disease is invisible. Most days I look like I am doing fine, but that could not be further from the truth. My diabetes affects everything I […]

From his daughter, Aeriel: My father received a diagnosis of diabetes more than 50 years ago, and navigating this journey has been quite a challenge, especially given the absence of modern technology during his formative years. His management involved the use of glass needles, urine blood test kits, and regular injections for the majority of […]

I am incredibly proud to have this achievement on June 21, 2024. It seemed impossible in 1974. I am a legacy of how much progress we have made. My aunt was diagnosed in 1947 and she died age 10 in 1950, My mom diagnosed in 1961-61 and she died at age 48. Mom was terribly […]

My journey started in 2001, at the young age of 4. I was diagnosed on December 26, the day after Christmas. I don’t remember much about the first couple of years of being diabetic, but I do remember the fear in my parents eyes as they watched their little girl get poked and prodded with […]

Coming up on 50 years seems unbelievable. Hearing stories from my parents when I was diagnosed makes me believe in miracles. The doctors had run every test imaginable. Then, by chance, the doctor asked some question, I don’t know what, and they did a blood test and my sugar level was 1,100. The doctor said […]

I’ve always thought it was so cool that my mom used my grandma’s meter to diagnose me (she had Type 2 diabetes). It’s also cool that I went to diabetes camp for 13 years, ran the NYC marathon with a team of Type 1s, went skydiving with a group of Type 1 friends, and that […]

Diabetes isn’t always sunshine, but also isn’t always rain. Growing up with type 1 diabetes allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow, but to also meet lifelong friends who turned into fellow advocates. Growing up with T1 influenced my decision to major in clinical research and pursue my Doctor of Health Science degree. As […]

It is very easy to view type 1 diabetes as an energy draining illness that consumes a majority of my life. While it poses challenges, it has molded me into a resilient and compassionate person and has allowed me to make my achievements more meaningful. Completing four years playing collegiate lacrosse, being inducted to Mathematics […]