I was ten years old when I was diagnosed. I lost a lot of weight but the doctors could not work out why. One day, my mum took me to the doctors because she was really worried. Looking back now, it's all a bit of a blur. It's funny how you can remember every smell, every wallpaper colour on a day like that but the rest fails to process. The one sentence that the doctor said that stuck with me is, "Yes, your daughter will have diabetes for life." For life? I remember freezing when I heard that. When you're so young it's hard to understand medical conditions, let alone the concept that this condition you have will be with you forever.

I spent about a week in hospital, learning about diabetes, eating right, resting. I remember looking around the children's ward, seeing children who were really poorly thinking "I'm not sick, why am I here?" I still couldn't get my head around it. When the nurse told me I would have to inject myself several times a day I was in shock. I couldn't understand. It just didn't seem real. It was like I was watching someone else go through it. I remember constantly thinking, it couldn't actually be me this is happening to could it? That first injection, the nurse offered to do it for me but I said I had to learn to do it myself, if I was going to have to do this for life I might as well start learning now. I wasn't going to become a victim. I couldn't let this situation consume me. I was stronger than that.

It took me a long time to make adjustments when I went home. My attitude, my routines and just my life in general had to change. It was like learning things again from scratch.

The early teenage years were the hardest. As if the raging hormones, introduction of the opposite sex and just life in general wasn't hard enough I had diabetes to deal with! There were times when I just wished I could be like all my friends. Eat what I want, when I want, do what I want and not worry about the consequences. But deep down I knew that wasn't going to help my situation, I had to make the most of what I'd been given.

I remember those bad days when my levels were at a constant high and getting up extra early to do injections were taking their toll. I felt like I couldn't carry on. I remember being so sick and tired. But whenever those days came there was always someone there to pick me back up and give me strength and that support helped me carry on. My family and my friends were my pillar of strength through those hard times and I feel blessed that I had that. I may be the one with the condition but there is no reason to stand alone.

I have just turned eighteen now. I'm hopefully going away to university this fall to study Psychology and couldn't be more excited. Eight years ago, I never would have thought I could do all the things I am capable of doing now. The opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences is something I never imagined would be in front of me. Going out with my friends, going on holidays alone, even planning to move away is now accessible to me. It takes time but it is all within reach if you just keep on fighting.

Diabetes can feel like a label, a permanent state that stays with you for life. Yes, it will be with you for life but does it define you? No, it doesn't. Diabetes is what you make it, it does not make you. Now that I have had diabetes for eight years I am honestly thankful. If it wasn't for diabetes I don't think I would be half as strong willed and determined as I am now. It has given me a new appreciation for life and all the great things that come with it.

The philosophy I live my life by is summed up in one simple sentence now. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. And I absolutely believe that.