A chubby little girl started to lose weight, wet the bed after several years of never missing the bathroom once, and asking for food ALL the time. Tired and restless and grumpy was not in her genes. In December, 1957 her parents decided it was time to visit the country dr. and see what he had to say. The child was pee tested and sent directly to the hospital and after several gruelling tests and hours passed the parents were told the verdict was diabetes. Her blood glucose test was 430. The child had no idea what that meant but soon needles were being stuck into her, she had to pee whenever the demand came, blood was being taken from her arm several times a day and the orange was the way to learn to give the injections. My mother was responsible. I was that child. I learned I couldn't eat sweets and soon, I realized this routine was here to stay. I spent time in the hospital with tonsil removal, colds, flue and infections. The children at school didn't know what to do so they teased me and took my snacks. In my teen years it was so hard. I managed my food very well during the week but on the weekend I didn't want to be different and so would indulge with my friends...french fries, hamburgers and Mountain Dew. I went back to school and after 15 years I graduated at age 48 with a Ph.D. in counselling. Now I am looking forward to retirement. I have had cataracts removed from both eyes and suffer from weight gain, thyroid disease and neuropathy. Diabetes is a silent killer. I have an insulin pump and I give it much credit for my health. I live in Edmonton, Alberta and do find that the very cold and the very hot weather affects my blood sugar control. I depend on the diabetic team I work with through the University of Alberta Hospital. I am grateful for my life and I try to stay positive. Life is good.

Eva Shaw
Edmonton, Canada