I had lost 10 kilos over a short period of time and, during a medical examination, diabetes was diagnosed. I must admit it was a shock and a major adjustment. I suddenly had to learn how to inject myself with insulin.

It was pretty hard to get used to injecting the insulin, and I have had some crazy things happen to me due to my illness. For example, once when I was travelling, I forgot to bring along my doctor's certificate and an overzealous customs official thought I was a drug addict! That was a really difficult situation.

I use a pen to inject long-acting and short-acting insulin and my blood glucose levels are fine with this therapy. I think the secret is to accept that you have diabetes as quickly as you can, and then learn how you can best cope with it. That way you'll have fewer complications in the future. Life can really be great, even for a person with diabetes.

It's very important to inform those around you that you have diabetes, and to do it as soon as possible:Tell your family, your friends and your colleagues at work. Don't feel embarrassed to talk about it. It's vitally important because you could fall into a coma at any time due to hypoglycemia.

Every so often, I find myself in an uncomfortable situation due to the illness. For example, you have to try out alcohol to see how your glucose levels react so that you can know how to deal with it. Once I was at a restaurant with a friend when, all of a sudden, I started to talk gibberish. I realised what was going on, and I wanted to go to the car to get some dextrose, but, unfortunately, I was walking like a drunkard. The police saw me, thought I was blind drunk, and so they handcuffed me and were going to take me away. I had 0.0 ml blood alcohol level and I learned one thing: Never, ever go anywhere without your diabetes identification card.

Diabetes doesn't stop you from leading a normal life in every way: in sports, social activities, your family or even sex.

My advice to you: Accept your condition and be willing to accept assistance!