By Kelsey Farabee

Hi, my name is Kelsey and I am 6 years old. I have diabetes and I got it when I was 4 years old and I'm learning how to take care of myself. My mom and dad and teacher help me too. So does one of my friends at school. Her name is Kaitlin. When I get low at recess she walks with me back to the classroom. Kaitlin thinks the finger poke is really neat and she likes to watch me do it.

When I first got diabetes the finger pokes and shots really hurt. Now I have had it for 2 years and I'm getting used to them. At diabetes camp this year I learned how to measure my own insulin. Last year I learned how to do shots. It takes a little bit of time to get used to having diabetes - getting used to the finger pokes and shots and eating certain amounts of food at certain times. I don't like not being able to eat when I am real hungry.

The worst thing about having diabetes is taking shots and not being able to eat what I want. The best thing about diabetes is going to diabetes camp because there is lots of hiking and I get to sleep out under the stars.