Juvenile diabetes no laughing matter

Every year, I join a walk for the cause of juvenile diabetes. Those two words sound like they don't belong together to those who don't know about it, but the fact it many kids in the U.S. suffer from this disease. And, we're not talking obese or overweight kids, either.

The familiar sight of an insulin pump, regular blood sugar checks and more daily procedures are commonplace for these kids.

Although juvenile diabetes can disrupt what many of us would call a "normal" childhood, the kids who have early diagnoses and plan for handling the disease are some of the bravest people I've ever met. Once you can get past the initial shock and get into the management of the condition, life really can be normal. Ask any adult survivor of juvenile diabetes and they'll tell you.