Rasheed's "Sugar Sheed" Story

My name is Rasheed Johnson from Philadelphia Pa. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in July 1999 at the age of 7. Being told I had diabetes that young and having to go from eating what I wanted to being restricted of certain foods and drinks was a struggle. Going to school watching others kids eat sweets and drink soda and me not being able to was not easy. Nonetheless, I adjusted and did what I had to do to be healthy and successful. And although I’m not where I want to be just yet, I will be one day. I did have a very supportive family which helped me a whole lot. Coming up I did not like being told I couldn’t do things because of diabetes. So at every chance I tried out a lot of sports including football, basketball, wrestling, track, and boxing. I have always strived to not let diabetes control me but rather me control diabetes. Throughout my amateur boxing career I have had a lot trouble controlling my blood sugars with all the workouts and eating restrictions that come with boxing. But instead of giving up I instead took on the challenge. Through a lot of trail and error I now have a pretty good control of it. Now I am a professional fighter who is striving to one day become a world champion and I know with all of my belief and sacrifices I can very much do so.  I check my blood sugars multiple times a day and stick to my sliding scale and do things just a bit different on fight days to ensure I am at 100 percent for the match. I believe no one should give up on anything because of something like diabetes. Always believe in your self and strive to be the best and something like diabetes will be the least of your worries.

Rasheed "Sugar Sheed" Johnson