'Trust me each day you become a stronger person and you are not alone!'

What is diabetes was the first thing that I thought, then I said oh well get on with it.

It all started back in summer 2010, I felt strange and I went to the doctors who said have a blood test and I will call you in a few days. I did get the call and I was told you are diabetic Type 2 - you need to change your diet and lifestyle, have an appontment to see the diabetic nurse.

One week later I am sat in the nurses office and she gave me lots of information and said go away and I will see you in six months.

Did not really understand and tried changing my lifestyle, but to be honest I did not think about it again and got on with my life. Five months later, I notice I am losing weight, going to the toilet all the time and drinking - well, I must have drunk more than I had ever done in my life.

After many discussions with my wife and losing on average 2lbs every three days, I went to the doctor, scared. Oh yes, never been so scared in my life, did not even begin to think about the diabetes. Anyway had more blood tests and convinced myself that I had the big C.

Then I get a call from the doctors to say that I had to go and see them straight away. Being a man, I made the appointment for a week or so later. I went and I was told by the doctor that my levels were very high and I had to pee on a stick, there and then. I did and was told that I had dangerous level of keytone in my urine.

What were they talking about? Before I knew what was happening I was being rushed to the hospital and then straight into acute medicine. What was all the fuss about, without even taking my coat off I was jabbed with what I was told was insulin, whatever that was.

 Anyway after having more tests I was met by a doctor - only a young chap - and he said I am sorry Mr H, you have diabetes Type 1, and it would appear that you have had this for some time. Oh I said is that it, can I go home now?

I had more tests and then I met with the what would become my best friend over the next six weeks who talked me through all what I had to do, injecting myself testing myself. I felt that when I left the hospital that I had been shopping with carrier bags full of stuff. I did not really understand, I just knew that I could not have chocolate and sugar.

Easy I thought, I was happy that it was not cancer, well I am five months into the diabetes and I find it hard. I am injecting four times a day and had treatement on my eyes. I went blind for two weeks, (I am told that this was the levels adjusting) the worst thing for me is that I have not told many people and feel ashamed.

The ones that I have told don't understand and think that I have either brought this on myself or have some horrible illness, so now going out is a nightmare. I find it so hard to inject and test in front of people and I don't like going to the toilet when in restaurants as this is 'dirty' so I go down the road find a dark alley and inject - God I feel like a right junkie.

I injected once in a public space and heard someone say look at that poor bloke having to do that. I am not a poor bloke, I am me and I certanily do not want people to feel sorry for me.

I am the same person, but just have to take medication to help me live my life, but as a person, I am embarrassed and I do feel peopel judge. I am going through a bit of a depression I think at the moment feeling sorry for myself, but I know that I am coming out of this slowly.

I am not sure what the future holds but I know that there is a long way to go. Scared, yes very much, anxious yes. However I have a brilliant family and they have been really supportive especially my wife who even went to the local  chinese and watched them cook me a special chinese dishes without sugar... wow, so when we call now my wife says just sugar free and I get the dishes - great to feel special.

Seriously though, my life has changed. I am still learning, but my levels are averaging out now between 4 and 10. I am told that I can do better, but one step at a time, that's my new motto.

Good luck to anyone who has diabetes, I am no expert but trust me each day you become a stronger person and you are not alone!