Hi! My name is Lisa Osborn. I am 18 and a freshman at the University of Dallas. I have been diabetic for a little over 2 years now, and I strongly encourage using the pump. When I was first diagnosed, it was hard to stick to such a strict eating schedule. I played varsity soccer, and sometimes the game times would be right when I should eat. It was really annoying to have to always be thinking about how much I need to eat, and what time. And it was a hassle having to carry my insulin and syringes to games and restaurants. When my mom first introduced me to the insulin pump, I was totally against it. We watched the video, and it just seemed too complicated. I had a system worked out and I didn't want to mess with it. I didn't like the idea of being attached to a machine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I just didn't like the idea of the thing at all. I thought about it for a while, and decided to do it. At first it was annoying to have it on my hip all the time, especially when I was sleeping. But now I don't even notice it. People ask me what it is and I forget that I even have it on. And it doesn't look that weird because everyone just thinks it's a pager. I love the freedom of when I can eat and how much. I don't have to worry about my blood sugar dropping low if I wait too long. It is so much more convenient and helps diabetes fit my lifestyle, not the other way around.