“I was diagnosed with IDDM (type I diabetes) 39 years ago. When I was brought through the doors of the hospital back 39 years ago, my mother was told my blood sugars were 800+ and I was a “very sick little girl.” During my “early teen years” I ended up in hospital many times due to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). I was not able to join sport teams back then, as coaches thought I was a “hinder” rather than a help, due to my strict diet, exercise and insulin requirements (especially at meal times). As I’ve aged (matured) I HAVE become a advocate for better diabetes management! I am a nurse and work on an active cardiovascular/ general surgery floor and I see many individuals come through (our doors) with many complications and or implications that heed their diabetes control.”