Nikki Frazer, sophomore, is one of the 23.6 million people in the United States who lives with the struggles of having diabetes every day.

 Q: Do you have Type one or Type two diabetes and what does that mean?
A: “I have Type one diabetes.  With type one, my pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, whereas with type two, it still produces some.  I have to take shots of insulin so that my sugar can be transported from my blood to my muscles.”

 Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed with diabetes?
A: “I was nine-years-old, right before my tenth birthday.  It’s weird, a lot of people are diagnosed right before their birthday.”

 Q: How does diabetes affect your everyday life?
A: “I used to have to take four- five shots everyday, but now I wear a pump, which is on me 24/7, which gives me insulin continuously.  I have to change it every three days.  I also can’t snack on anything whenever I want.  I always have to test my blood sugar before I eat, and count the carbs I ate and give myself insulin for it.”

 Q: Does it hurt to prick yourself or did it ever?
A: “Nope.  I was so scared the first time, but it doesn’t hurt.  The only time it hurts is if the needle breaks in my finger.”

 Q: Do you have any friends who are diabetic?
A: “Are you kidding me?! Diabetes camp is the shiz! I go there every summer, and it’s the best week of my life.  I love them all!”