I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was four years old. I know that sounds funny, but because I was diagnosed so young, I can't remember a time when I didn't have to check my blood sugar or give myself insulin. It's my friend that can also kill me if I don't take care of myself. Thankfully, when I was eight my doctor put me on the insulin pump, which gives me insulin all throughout the day since my pancreas doesn't work properly.

I went through junior high and high school changing in locker rooms for basketball and tennis. Girls always asked me what that was on my stomach. At first, I was self-conscious and wanted to hide it. Eventually, though, I became proud of it. "Heck yeah, I stick my finger 8 times a day! Yeah, I put a needle in my stomach every 3 days! No, it doesn't hurt!!" I'm basically a superhero.

However, I always know when I'm sick or about to be because my blood sugar rises an alarming amount. If I'm going to be 100 percent honest with you, having high blood sugar is the worst feeling. I'm sure it's different for all diabetics. For me, though, I get nauseous, cranky, super thirsty, and sleepy. You can imagine how well that works if I have high blood sugar during class.

Having diabetes is hard. It's annoying to have to check your blood sugar when you're at dinner with your friends. It's annoying when you're working out and you have to stop to get sugar because your blood sugar went too low. It's frustrating when your blood sugar goes low or high for an unexplained reason. It's exhausting. But having diabetes taught me responsibility. I'm the only one who can take care of it and help my body survive. It has taught me how to take care of myself, even when I don't want to. I can look at a plate of food and tell you almost exactly how many carbs are in it. It has taught me to exercise, even when I don't feel like it. It has taught me to order the water at lunch, even when I want the sweet tea. It has taught me the importance of a routine. I can tell you exactly when I'll check my blood sugar and exactly when I'll eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

When I went to college my parents told me that everyone has something they deal with or will deal with in the future, so I needed to take care of myself now so I won't have to deal with the repercussions later.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the pancreas not producing insulin. There are many complications associated with not caring for yourself properly with diabetes, including, loss of eyesight, kidney function, or limb amputation. Nothing is worth those risks. With proper diet, exercise, and intake of insulin, it's possible to have a long, healthy life.

I am so hopeful that a cure is coming. However, even if it doesn't come in my lifetime, I know I can take care of myself.