Age: 17
Age at T1D diagnosis: 16

A natural leader, Ryan is a senior cadet in a JROTC program with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where he oversees 40 cadets. He has also participated in the Coast Guard Academy Youth Leadership Conference. Recently diagnosed with T1D, Ryan now uses his position to educate members of his Naval Sea Cadet Corps Unit about T1D, and explains how to use glucagon kits and how to treat low blood sugar. “I believe that I have broadened others’ understanding of T1D and helped to distinguish it from T2D,” he says. Ryan has also begun teaching his football team, friends and teachers about T1D. “I’ve learned to take each day slowly and embrace the challenges that each new day brings. Frankly, I look forward to the challenges,” he says.

http://youtu.be/YVB89qTaT88