There is a thirty to forty per-cent chance that an identical twin will develop type 1 diabetes. Both brothers were diagnosed within 3 months of each other in 1996. The first to be diagnosed did experience symptoms but the other twin found out he had type 1 diabetes following urine & blood tests. Their great-grandmother had type 1 diabetes. Insulin regime' rapid-acting analogue (Humalog) using prefilled pen three times a day and long-acting analogue (Lantus) in the evening. Now they are attending the young persons diabetes clinic & are seen by the consultant on a one-one basis rather than together as they were when children. Both brothers appreciate their individual consultations.

When first diagnosed he was on Mixtard insulin twice daily and the long acting insulin Lantus. Now he has changed to Novorapid three times daily and Levemir. He has well control diabetes and his last HbA1c test result was 7.7. Recently he has had a series of hypos all happening in the morning that he attributes to the end of school and being more active during the day. In general, his experiences of hypos have mostly been isolated events. His diet hasn't changed much since diagnosis but he eats at regular set times. When first diagnosed he found it difficult to start doing his insulin injections. It took him several weeks before he was confident enough to do the injections himself.

Diagnosed in 1999, age 15. She was on an insulin called Human Mixtard that she injected twice a day and had to eat every three hours. Now she is on Lantus, an analogue long-acting insulin that she injects once a day and on fast-acting insulin; NovoRapid that she injects when she eats. Shortly after the interview she was due to go and try an Insulin Pump.

Became depressed while looking after a friend with depression. Believes Seroxat contributed to her suicide attempt. With counselling and new medication (venlafaxine 150mg/day) she is getting better.

Current medication includes Seroxat, Zyperxa (olanzapine), Lamactil (lamatrigine). Is grappling with building friendships and what he wants to do in life. He has found one kinesiologist in particular to be very helpful.

The most helpful approaches for him have included getting rest, counselling, lifestyle changes (involving moving to a better community and living on less money), spirituality and partner support.

With the help of a caring GP, her counsellor, private hospital treatment, Efexor (150mg/day) and self-help books, she was feeling better and is keen to continue her healing and help others. She has written a book' Saving Samantha' A Young Woman's Escape from Childhood Hell (isbn 1401910300) about her experiences.

Has responded well to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. He has the support of his wife and has built his confidence in a local sporting club. He recognises depression as a phase that passes.

Has only recent seen himself as getting better, being helped by therapy (eg. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt), a clairvoyant therapist/doctor, the learning of meditation techniques, and medication (Effexor 75mg, Lithium (400mg/day).

Used a raft of strategies to recover including time off work, attending a support group, counselling, physical exercise, interaction with nature and pets, and spiritual healing.