When my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes eighteen years ago at the age of twenty one, I knew virtually nothing about diabetes. She was going to university in Scotland at the time and the International Diabetes Association was a wonderful source of information about living with diabetes for both of us. I learned that I was not alone in my ignorance – most people do not know very much about diabetes, in particular, that type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent type, is to at least some extent a lifestyle disease that can be prevented by a combination of a healthy life style, nutritious diet and exercise. I think it is important to share what I have learned and therefore volunteer as a Speaker with the Ottawa Canadian Diabetes Association Speaker’s Bureau, making presentations to all sorts of community groups spreading the word that diabetes can be prevented, and if not prevented, at least controlled. I also help to raise funds for diabetes research – I am convinced that with all the research going on in different parts of the world right now, a cure for diabetes is an achievable goal and I want to be part of making that happen, not just for my daughter but for all who live with what is a very challenging condition.