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Last Updated: Saturday November 07 2009 09:15 GMT

I quizzed politicians about diabetes

Press Packer Aubie

Press Packer Aubi went to the Houses of Parliament ahead of World Diabetes Day.

He got to grill a panel of politicians there about care in schools for children with medical conditions.

Here's his story.


"I am diabetic and I was invited by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to go to Parliament and ask politicians about it.

There were 60 of us, all with one condition or another, not just diabetes.

We were able to ask the politicians what they will do to help children with medical conditions in school.

Most of the time it's when people don't understand a condition that problems can start.

Some people just wanted to share their experiences, good or bad, and to raise awareness of their own condition.

Type 1 diabetes

Almost three years ago, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Aubie gets ready to meet the politicians
Aubie gets ready to meet the politicians

This means that until there's a cure, which is not on the horizon at the moment, I have to inject myself with insulin and test my blood sugars regularly every day.

On average, I inject four to five times a day and I often do 10 to 15 blood tests a day - at school, at home, anywhere!

Of course, you can't see type 1 diabetes, so it has been essential ever since I was diagnosed for me to tell all my friends and, of course, my teachers.

I am one of the very lucky ones and have had fantastic support both at my primary school and now at my secondary school.

I am given complete freedom to manage my condition and have never been excluded from any activity or school trip.

Being in Parliament

Aubie's message to Parliament
Aubie's message to Parliament

It was an honour to be part of such an occasion in such impressive surroundings and to feel part of a process which will, hopefully, change the lives of many young people like me for the better.

What became clear is that we all want to be heard and listened to and perhaps it is us who are the best people to inform our teachers and friends of our needs.

I hope the politicians will act on how we feel.

Anything's possible!

Having type 1 diabetes is part of who I am and I'm stuck with it.

Of course, I'd rather be without it, but with the support of my family, my friends, my school and the charity... anything is possible!

Aubi, 13, Tonbridge


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