DIABETES: 15 years old & diabetic

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was around 15 years of age.  I started gaining weight rapidly and my doctors believed I had a thyroid problem.  After a few visits and many test, they figured out it was diabetes.  I didn't think much of it since I have a family history of the disease and my relatives were still living.  Doctors warned me to watch my weight and to follow a strict diet to prevent my blood sugar levels from spiking.  Doctors warned that it would increasingly get worst as I age if I did not take precautions from now.  While living home my mother insured that I followed my diet to ensure stable health.  I never had to take insulin at this age and was not on any medication for it.  My first year in college is when things started going down hill with my health.  I was having excessive headaches, weight gain and always felt tired.  I was busy "living my life" and not thinking about my health.  As a child I have never had to visit an emergency room but at 19 years of age I found myself in and out the emergency room for something that could have been prevented if I had taken the right precautions.  I began taking oral medication to regulate my blood sugar but with a busy college schedule I still found myself in and out the hospital because I would forget to take the medication.  I am scared of needles so the thought of having to inject myself was terrifying but it was to the point where doctors told me there would be no other option if I did not get it together.  That was all I needed to hear to start fixing things.  I had many friends while in college and only about a handful of them knew I had a chronic condition.  I always hid my condition, not because I was ashamed but because I didn't want the pity.  While pledging my fraternity, the members found out after an exercise session in the morning.  I did not take my medication and I had not eaten and I felt like I was going to pass out.  I had to share with my brothers about my condition just in case they needed to call for help.  My advice would be to take the necessary precautions to manage your health.  We all have busy lives and want to live as normally as possible but our health should come first.
 

K.A.