I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8. I was very confused and hadn't heard of diabetes before. Sometimes, I feel like I am not normal and not allowed things that other children have. It's quite frustrating and I just wish that I could have a good old cry and moan to somebody.

At first, I was really scared when diagnosed with the condition, like doing all the injections and blood checks. It really helped having my teddy around to practise my injections, and he was good to cuddle up as well.

I have had to go to hospital quite a few times when things have somehow gone wrong. I don't like it in hospital-it makes my depressed and upset, (except when Turkey Dinosaurs are on the menu)! Sometimes I feel there is nothing to live for when my blood sugars are running high all the time. It's seems like a hopeless circle, like a little puppy chasing his tail and never quite catching it properly. Like everything we try to do just isn't working. I do realise that people are giving me lots of support and advice, but I want them to take this thing away from me completely.

I go to diabetic clinic every 3 months for, yes you've guessed it, more blood checks (feel like a pin cushion) height and weight checks (am I eating too much again) blood pressure checks (must be sky high because I feel like I am going to burst) urine test (it's not that easy to wee on demand you know).... Then I go and have a chat with the doc, and then it's back to school again. The diabetes team run an adventure weekend every couple of years and I went along to a place in the Lake District. I was sad to leave my mum crying on the pavement, but I had a fab time. I was just like all the other kids there. We all had the injections and blood checks and hypos all together. I made lots of friends and had a go at lots of new things.

I have now worked out that if I think of my condition as a little puppy that needs training, attention and caring for in a sensible way, I will get results and be able to live a happy and healthy life - just like you!