I live in Malta, an island in the Mediterranean. We have a whole lot of sun and the official language apart from English is Maltese. I've had diabetes since I was one year old and that's why I can't remember much at all about my first years with diabetes. Life with diabetes is just normal for me.

However, I do remember the times before I had coeliac disease. I could eat pizza and bread back then, but now I'm not allowed. I really miss that. Having diabetes is ok but not being able to eat pizza and bread because of the coeliac disease is a bit harder to take. I don't miss candy or food with sugar in it; that doesn't bother me at all.

I give myself a shot with my pen two or three times per day, and checking my blood glucose level is no problem. I check it in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening. Depending on where I am eating, I have no problem using my pen even in a restaurant. And since I usually eat at my grandmother’s place, I give myself a shot at her place, too. The injections are ok and the more I do it, the easier it becomes for me. My blood glucose levels are good and I manage just fine with my pen.

In my free time I like to play football or play on my computer. My friends know about my diabetes and a good friend of mine always keeps his eye on me to make sure I'm not feeling poorly.

I use the pen and I give myself two or three shots per day.

My advice to you: If someone asked me what diabetes means for someone’s life I would tell them:
‘It's not the end of the world!’