November is Diabetes Awareness Month and it is something that is near to my heart. I used to want to pretend like I didn't have it, because I wanted to be a "normal" teenager. Now that I'm older, I know that I have to take care of it to ensure a long, healthy life. Here are a few things type oners want you to know.

1. Type 1 Diabetes is not the same thing as Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 is a serious autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not use insulin properly. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. Over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.

2. Please stop asking if we have Type 1 because we ate a lot of sugar as a child.

We had zero control over getting diagnosed and nothing could have prevented it. In fact, I've known a lot of people who weren't diagnosed with Type 1 until their adult years.

3. Stop asking to watch me check my blood sugar or change my insulin pump.

That's just weird to be honest. Can I watch you sleep? K.

4. Yes, we can still eat sugar!

In fact, sometimes we have to eat sugar if our blood sugar goes too low.

5. Your outfit choices might change once you get an insulin pump.

I've been known to stick my pump all sorts of places. It's like a game. Where will Sara Catherine hide her pump today?

6. No, my insulin pump is NOT A BEEPER!!!

Is this 1990?

7. Managing Type 1 is all about balance.

We're constantly making sure our blood sugar doesn't go too low or too high. It's exhausting sometimes.

8. There is no such thing as "Having diabetes really bad".

If this person has "diabetes really bad" then it's because they chose to not take care of themselves which has now resulted in blindness, amputation, nerve damage, stroke and eventually death.

9. I'm so thankful for all of the new technology coming out, but it is far from a cure.

Diabetes technology has come so far, even from when I was diagnosed 17 years ago. I am soooo hopeful that a cure is coming in my lifetime.

10. We're basically simple math geniuses.

Between your insulin to carb ratio, carbohydrates, sensitivity factor, and current blood sugar (just to skim the surface), you definitely know your math. Just call us the Diabetic Einsteins!

I'm so hopeful for a cure and know that it is coming soon!