Living with Diabetes

by Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999

Reviewed by Sheena

When most people think of the Miss America pageant, a few common things come to mind; Tiaras, Tantrums and promises of world peace. Nicole Johnson changed that when she won her title as Miss America 1999.

Nicole was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 19 and her platform in the Miss America Pageant was diabetes awareness. She reached her goal when she was 24 in 1999 and continues promote diabetes awareness today as an activist. She wanted to prove that a person with diabetes can do anything.

She also proudly wore her insulin pump throughout the competition and promoted pump-wearing to encourage others. In her year as Miss America, there was more corporate sponsorship of a Miss America platform than ever before. In the three years since, she has helped raised over $14 million dollars (US) in contributions for diabetes research.

"Becoming Miss America changed my life forever - from passive beauty queen to social activist. I was able to see beyond the glamour of winning the title and into the reality of what the title could accomplish. But I've always believed that "to whom much is given, much is required." I was given much, now I was destined to reach out".

For anyone whose ever had doubts about themselves and what they can achieve as diabetics, this is a must read. Nicole wrote to reach out to people. Living with Diabetes is written very honestly and with a lot of passion. I laughed and cried while I read. There were funny stories of prima donnas in the pageant. She also tells the frightening tale of the symptoms we suffer before being diagnosed with diabetes. "I think that one of the scariest moments as a diabetic was when I didn't know it - not knowing what was wrong was scarier than facing the truth."

Nicole describes what it was like to be in the Miss America Pageant and live with diabetes at the same time. There is plenty of great advice for dealing with diabetes and staying positive as much as possible. Her story and experiences are amazing and Nicole has become a fantastic role model to children, young adults and people of all ages who live with diabetes. Her story, experience and message of hope are inspirational.

I think everyone who reads this will learn something about diabetes and the way they think look at it.

Comments (1)

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