I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was four years old and the 'disease' has been my 'life partner' in far more ways and for far more years than my 'real' life partner! Having lived with it for 27+ years I have an almost kinship like association with the disease so much so that calling it a 'disease' is making me uneasy! Yes, it is a disease but it's also a part of who I am. While people (particularly those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) make it sound like a lifelong punishment, it really isn't that big of a deal or hurdle in my life (Alhamdulillah, touch wood). I believe diabetes is a fairly 'good' disease to have compared to other life restricting and threatening diseases doing the rounds. The poor thing only asks for some balanced eating, timely monitoring and management and perhaps being slightly more aware of your body's well being and cries for help than others. Modern science, medicine and time have certainly taken t...