I'm type 1 and keep reminding myself that I have it much easier than my grandparents did. Mine is more of a genetic link, it's on both sides of my family. I've been on insulin for about 20 years now and play javelin catcher about 4 times a day.

One thing nobody has mentioned, be absolutely sure you have an endocrinologist that you're comfortable with and you can talk to. Every once in awhile I go into what my doctor refers to as "diabetic burnout". That's when the blood tests, injections, diet, and everything becomes extremely difficult to do. This doesn't happen very often but when it does I can call my endocrinologist. She completely understands and we can work it through together.

One more thing, be sure to get a medic alert bracelet or other alert. In case of an emergency, the teams are trained to look for them and it can make a whole lot of difference.

Medical science and technology are on our side.