You still don't know what forever feels like, but after all of years you have had to cope with this disease, you will never be comfortable with it. It is your own private condition that no one will ever understand or experience way you do.

You can be an amateur expert and scoff at others' well-meaning ineptitude. Of course you realize irony in this feeling; no one else would want to experience diabetes so closely as to be diabetic.

You have read scores of articles on diabetes, attended lectures and support groups, and most importantly, you have felt its presence.

I tell you, it's not until it hits you that it's really awful. Asking questions can help you and your family dodge serious complications of diabetes. Early detection and active control of blood sugar levels can save lives.

Have you ever heard anyone ask: Do you have diabetes? Does anyone in your family have diabetes? Is your vision okay or is it blurry? Are your feet feeling okay today?