I was diagnosed Type 1 or juvenile diabetic at 2 years of age and I am  now  57. I do not remember when I became diabetic. It just
seemed to me  that I was always a diabetic. I can't remember my first insulin  injection but I bet it hurt me. I know I must have cried. I am sure my  parents wept as well to know their son would spend the rest of his life performing this ritual. I can't remember my first hypoglycemic  episode but I know my parents were frightened when it happened. 
 
As with most lives, I have had high points and low points in life. For example, I have graduated from University, bicycled across Canada and Europe, kayaked the old Voyageur fur trading route, worked at the UN in Rome, and married Maria in Dublin, Ireland and have two sons, Dan & Nick . (Nick is a juvenile diabetic diagnosed at 5 years old).

On the other hand, as I aged with diabetes I experienced vitrectomy surgery for blindness in my left eye; kidney failure leading to 18 months of hemodialysis and then a kidney transplant provided by my brother Bob; amputation of both legs; and a failed pancreas transplant to end my diabetic condition. All of these mishaps started later in life after many years of healthy and productive living. It is no wonder that many are demanding and seeking a cure for diabetes.
 
But for all the things I can't remember in the beginning and the tribulations I have faced in later life, I have lived a full life of loving memories with my family, friends and what I have accomplished and plan to accomplish despite my disease.

 I wish you the best in life.