The annual back-to-school physical. The most dreaded day for kids across America. Will they have to get a shot? Will they have to get more than one?

As a toddler, Tyler was diagnosed with type one diabetes, meaning his pancreas produces little or no insulin, which, according to livestrong.com, is the hormone that allows sugar to enter his body.

His pump is attached to the outside of his stomach and injects insulin on the hour, depending on how much Tyler’s body needs to keep his blood sugar down.

“[Diabetes] is always in the back of my mind,” Tyler said. “I’m always making sure I’m feeling okay.”

Originally designed to provide athletes with carbohydrates and electrolytes to avoid dehydration, Gatorade also provides diabetics with enough sugar to keep their blood sugar at a normal level.
 And as his blood sugar level decreases, Tyler feels “dizzy and shaky, like I just want to lay down and pass out.”

However, if he’s not participating in physical activity, his blood sugar level will increase, leaving him feeling “really tingly.”

According to Tyler, the human body tries to get the excess sugar out through urine, so if his blood sugar is high he feels as though he has to go to the bathroom.

As long as Tyler injects insulin to regulate his blood sugar level, he is able to lead the life of any other healthy 18-year-old teenager.

“Diabetes isn’t that bad, it’s just a really big annoyance,” Tyler said.

Tyler’s friends and family admire his ability to balance diabetes and athletics.

Senior Scott Plaza has been friends with Tyler since Pre-School, and has seen him grow up first-hand.

“He’s handled [diabetes] really well,” Plaza said.  “It can be rough on some people, but I haven’t really noticed him having difficulties. He does what he’s supposed to be doing.”

“Diabetes may be an inconvenience, but Tyler doesn’t let it prevent him from accomplishing his goals,” Andrew Bengsten, Tyler’s older brother said.

“The walk is a good reminder that Tyler is not alone, and that there a lot of people out there willing to do their part to make the lives of diabetics better,” Andrew said.

“It helps me know I am giving and helping to hopefully, one day, find a cure for the disease,” Tyler said.
Currently, there is no known cure for diabetes.

 “So right now, I have it forever,” Tyler said. “But they’re hoping to find a cure.”

 All over the country, events take place to raise funds for Diabetes research. Tyler’s family and friends have participated in the October charity event A Walk To Cure Diabetes for the last 13 years.