Advertisement

		Alex Pence	Jump to a new section --[ Getting Around ]-- Home Page What's New Guide to CWD Help with Error Messages Index Privacy Policy Search Site Map --[ People ]-- Family Support Network Adults with Diabetes Care Photos Chat Rooms Conferences Kids with Diabetes Parents Parent Humor Scholarships and Financial Aid Grandparents Humorous Tidbits Jobs Mailing Lists CWD Forums Poetry and Art Videos Polls Quilt for Life Surveys Blogs --[ Clinic ]-- Ask the Diabetes Team Alternate Site Testing Alternative Treatments Care Suggestions CWD Español Diabetes Basics Diabetes at School 504 Plans Diabetes Camps Diabetes Dictionary Insulin Pumps Nutrition Podcasts Presentations Products Product Marketplace Sports Studies Warning Signs --[ Sources ]-- News and Information Diabetes Advocacy Links to Other Web Sites Press Releases Regional Information Services Support Groups --[ Feedback ]-- About CWD Get CWD Products Advertise Awards Contribute Your Experiences Disclaimer Letters to the Editor Logos and Linking Share our Brochures

My name is Alex Pence, and in December of 1993 I was diagnosed with diabetes, just three days before my twelfth birthday. As the nurse broke the news to me, the devastation that filled my mind rooted from utter confusion and an indefinite aura that enveloped my future years. Millions of questions swirled through my brain. What could I eat? Could I still do the things I enjoyed doing? Was I going to die? Well, here I am at age 17, and I am still alive, I have the ability to do the things I desire, and I still enjoy tasty foods, although sweets and certain other foods rarely enter my mouth. I try to maintain strict control of my diabetes, although my blood sugar does stray outside the guidelines at times. With a little effort, I have been able to endure 5-1/2 years with no complications or hospitalizations. All I have to do is test my blood sugar a few times a day and give a couple shots of NPH and Humalog, follow a routine diet, and get plenty of exercise. As a member of Illinois's Class 4A State Football Champions, the Glenwood Redskins, I receive a steady supply of exercise, whether it be practicing, weightlifting, or running. I also walk a couple of miles every morning as I deliver newspapers. Additionally, I love playing basketball and occasionally participate in other activities, such as golf or swimming. Eating a snack before these activities, as well as having glucose tablets and other food on hand, removes any restricting chains that diabetes may attempt to place on my life. I tend to be overly optimistic at times, but I do not mind having diabetes at all. As a diabetic, I know I must exercise and incorporate nutritious foods into my daily routine, and doing so has not only made me healthy, but has maintained tight control over my diabetes. I trust God that a cure will come in the foreseeable future, but until then, I am determined to keep my disease in check and lead a normal life. I encourage everyone with diabetes to put forth a little effort and maintain control, and to never let diabetes slow you down. Alex receives e-mail at ichthus81@hotmail.com.

Alex Pence in his football uniform

Published July 25, 1999

Not Helpful  1 2 3 4 5  Very Helpful                  E-mail Page     Print Format
			Jump to a new section --[ Getting Around ]-- Home Page What's New Guide to CWD Help with Error Messages Index Privacy Policy Search Site Map --[ People ]-- Family Support Network Adults with Diabetes Care Photos Chat Rooms Conferences Kids with Diabetes Parents Parent Humor Scholarships and Financial Aid Grandparents Humorous Tidbits Jobs Mailing Lists CWD Forums Poetry and Art Videos Polls Quilt for Life Surveys Blogs --[ Clinic ]-- Ask the Diabetes Team Alternate Site Testing Alternative Treatments Care Suggestions CWD Español Diabetes Basics Diabetes at School 504 Plans Diabetes Camps Diabetes Dictionary Insulin Pumps Nutrition Podcasts Presentations Products Product Marketplace Sports Studies Warning Signs --[ Sources ]-- News and Information Diabetes Advocacy Links to Other Web Sites Press Releases Regional Information Services Support Groups --[ Feedback ]-- About CWD Get CWD Products Advertise Awards Contribute Your Experiences Disclaimer Letters to the Editor Logos and Linking Share our Brochures

Last Updated: Sun Dec 05 11:16:13 2004
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.

This site is published by Children With Diabetes, Inc, which is responsible for its contents.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Legal Notice and Privacy Policy.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2008. Comments and Feedback.