Hello Sisters--my name is Mary Pruiett, and I developed Type 1 diabetes in  1953, shortly before my 6^th birthday.  While diabetes is a serious condition now, back then it had a devastating prognosis, including serious complications and shortened lifespan. My parents decided I should live as normally as possible. I attended public schools, went on camping trips and sleepovers, and played sports. My friends knew about my diabetes, but I didn't advertise it, and did not know any other diabetic kids. My rebellious period came during college, and I'm sure my control was pretty bad (but who would know; A1C was still 10 years away!). Actually though, I hated the sluggish feeling of high glucose, which kept my carb consumption under some control.

After graduating college, I moved to Washington, DC and soon met my husband. Like my parents, he was very supportive (so important!). My doctors warned that diabetes greatly complicates pregnancy, so we postponed that decision. We both had fulfilling jobs that required a fair amount of European and domestic travel, so I really appreciated those new-fangled disposable insulin syringes! While many jobs were just not available for diabetics in the late 1970's, I truly felt no discrimination at work.

At age 29 I decided to get my MBA, and remember an essay question on my Stanford application asked what I regard as my three greatest accomplishments. Living well with diabetes was one of mine, and they must have liked it because I was admitted! While living in California I had my first A1C, and shortly after moving to New York in 1980 we discovered the home blood glucose monitor-huge advances were starting!

At an ADA seminar I met Lois Jovanovic, a woman who changed our lives with her work on diabetic pregnancy. I signed on to her program immediately, qualified with a 7.1 A1C, and was fortunate to conceive at age 36. It was a fantastic learning experience, and for the first time I really felt in control of my diabetes. Our second healthy son was born two years later.

During my late 30's I also had major surgery for a non-malignant brain tumor, challenging my diabetic management skills again. This was before the medical profession recognized the importance of keeping blood glucose low during surgical recuperation, and I had to fight with hospital staff to administer sufficient insulin to counteract the cortisone. Takeaway lesson: continue to educate and advocate for yourself, in medical situations and life in general. You can be and should be an expert about YOUR diabetes, so speak up and require answers from your support team.

Happily married for 40 years, Ralph and I have retired to North Carolina, where I've had more time for volunteer activities for diabetes and other interests. The Joslin Clinic in Boston is studying long-duration diabetes, and I'm proud to be part of their 50-year Medalist study. Last year I participated in a clinical trial of a new basal insulin at UNC. There I met Laura Ely, who introduced me to Diabetes Sisters. At last year's conference I was thrilled to meet so many diabetic women! It would have been great to have such a support group when I was younger, and I'm proud to participate now and offer whatever advice and support possible. Thank you, Brandy and Team, for creating such a wonderful resource for diabetic women!