Insulin Life: Living with diabetes

Brian Stevens is one of 25.8 million people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes. He is also a single father, an apprentice electrician and part-time ski school instructor.

“Even though I’m diabetic, I do live a fairly regular lifestyle,” Stevens said.

But balancing work, school, parenting and diabetes is a tricky act for the 28-year-old Syracuse resident.

“I’ve had a couple hospital scares in my life,” Stevens said, referring to several visits to the emergency room in recent years due to complications from his Type 1 diabetes. Between schoolwork and caring for his son, Stevens has little time to prepare healthy food or get exercise. He is often forced to choose between work and school, and his performance at both locations often suffers as a result.

American Diabetes Association, slightly more than 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 20 have diabetes, and 26.9 percent of the population has been diagnosed by age 65.

Like many other Americans with diabetes, Stevens has learned to adjust to the need to monitor his insulin levels several times per day and keeps track of what he eats.

“I regulate my diabetes with constant glucose monitoring,” Stevens explained.

With careful monitoring and a strong network of support, Stevens says he is able to live an active and normal life.

“I don’t let diabetes hold me back,” said Brian. “I’ve accepted it. It’s become like breathing.”