People like me
Your diabetes stories
When you have diabetes, it can feel like no-one really understands. But, as corny as it might sound, you're not alone.
This section is full of young people who, just like you, have their own unique diabetes story.
Diabetes - day to day
It might be how they dealt with diagnosis and daily life with the condition. Some have tips on how to deal with the people around you who maybe don't understand what you're going through.
Don't let diabetes get in the way
Some have inspirational stories of how diabetes hasn't stopped them becoming exactly what they want to be - including pop stars, actors and sportspeople.
What they all share is that they know what it's like to have diabetes at your age. We'd welcome your comments on their stories - and we'd love to hear your diabetes story too.
You can see plenty of examples below and we also have a Stories in brief page with even more.
Anna's story
"After I was doing so well, why did I end up here? I nearly gave up on my diabetes after that. My parents tried to help but I knew it was up to me."
Anna's story
Steffani's story
"A few years ago I had a bad hypo and went unconscious and got sent to hospital. I was in a coma for a few days."
Steffani's story
Katie's story
"I feel that I can't live with diabetes anymore. I feel no one understands and no one cares - like everyone's against me - but they're not, they only nag because they care and they want me to live a happy normal life."
Katie's story
Caitlin's story
"I'm getting better with my diabetes and I'm grateful that I don't have a very bad disease with no cure."
Caitlin's story
Sam's story
"I have always loved playing sport, but recently, after a long selection process and a lot of intense training and assessment, I was chosen in the England under 16 hockey squad."
Sam's story
Daisy's story
"I think there are always struggles when it comes to managing diabetes, but it's how you cope with and overcome those difficulties which matter."
Daisy's story
Dieter's story
"I remember trying to run and my legs felt like lead, it just made me feel like crying - I didn't know what was happening to me. I love sports and to not be able to run was heart breaking."
Dieter's story
Jessica's story
"I think an important part of diabetes is finding a way to treat it that suits you."
Jessica's story
Jade's story
"I was so shocked, I kept telling myself it wasn't diabetes and it was due to how many sugary drinks and sweets I'd had that day and week. I couldn't understand...."
Jade's story
Rebecca's story
"That night after my appointment I lay there in bed crying because five years of my life had been taken over by something that would never go away; my diabetes, but a thought came over me..."
Rebecca's story
Chloe's story
"I really enjoyed having this opportunity as in rural Wales I don't know of anybody with the same condition in my area and this gave me an opportunity to compare experiences and make new friends."
Chloe's story
Amie's story
"Coeliac disease and diabetes is becoming a bit of a struggle. Anyone in a similar situation?"
Amie's story
Matthew's story
Since being diagnosed in March 2008, Matthew has enjoyed a remarkable run of sporting achievement.
Matthew's story
Emma's story
Given a wake up call - "It wasn't until my annual review that I came back down to Earth."
Emma's story
Sophie's story
"I was scared about going back to school. What might my friends think? Will they be horrible? Take the mick? Even bully me?"
Sophie's story
Meg's story
"I don't let my diabetes stop me doing anything."
Meg's story
Georgia's story
"Your friends will always be there to support you."
Georgia's story