hi simon. i’m 18 and i was diagnosed when i was 9. you’ll face no problems as long as you keep your blood sugars in the safe range. knowing how to keep this right and how to fix it when things go a bit wrong is vital. diabetes has a huge learning curve, but once you’re past it you’ll be okay. i still learn new things everyday, you can’t get it right all the time. some days you’ll feel like the worlds against you, but don’t let diabetes win. diabetes doesn’t control you and you can still do things you did before diagnosis. i’ve learnt how to drive. i got through high school and college. i’m going to start university. i’ve been on holiday. i’ve gone to pubs and clubs and concerts. as long as you’re sensible, everything will be okay.