I've had Type 1 diabetes for 13 years. I had all the classic(and quite obvious) symtoms before diagnosis, I'd lost alot of weight, was very tired, lost interest in school work etc and drank nearly a bottle of Robinson's orange per day. I literally couldn't get enough liquid! lol Anyways, I kinda diagnosed myself before going to the doctor's what with reading up about it and everything, and it was clear-cut, I had diabetes. I was put on Human mixtard, this later changed to Novomix 30 which I'm still on. I inquired about a pump, I thought why not? I didn't qualify because I didn't meet the NICE guidelines http://www.nice.org.uk/TA057, but to be honest I already knew this, I just wanted more flexibility and freedom when it came to airports/train stations/restaurants etc where retreating to a toilet can become annoying. I now take Metformin because I have insulin resistance but nothing a good excercise regime won't sort out, which I'm doing. Last year I joined a gym, lost 2 stone and my sensitivity went through the roof, really good. It's something I've come to realize, that excercise and diet are an integral part of good control. I'm healthy apart from diabetes and I've had excellent HbA1c for 13 years, but hey, it's diabetes, there's always room for improvement!