Hello everyone. I have been a Type 1 diabetic since 1968 and was very lucky to have been empowered as a young child to understand diabetes so that I could manage it myself. I have always been very independent and never seen my diabetes as a problem, it's a lifestyle. It actually keeps me living a relatively fit life (diet wise more than exercise!) and so far I haven't done so badly. But, after 55 years, signs of the long term condition are showing more and I'm finding the need to connect with others in a similar situation is a strong pull.