This is essential reading for you about the success of diabetes

People with diabetes face daily challenges. To stay healthy, they must monitor their blood glucose levels, a balanced diet and regular exercise. Some people also need to take insulin to survive.

In an effort to recognize the champions of these challenges, Eli Lilly and Co. has created LillyforLife achievement award in 2002. The award recognizes the achievements of inspiring people of all ages living with diabetes.

The need to be not known or famous for their achievements, but can be normal people who have achieved or are working for a great personal success.

This year, Lilly has expanded scholarship program to include not only people with diabetes, but also to all those affected by the state or contributed to the diabetes community.

Categories for submission are as follows: patients aged 18 years, patients aged 17 or under, professionals, caretakers, or the spouses and reporters.

One person from each category will be selected by a panel of judges to receive this special award. Candidates are eligible for a grade. Peer or self-nominations are accepted by the public until August 30, 2004.

Last year, Rick Largent was honored with the first prize LillyforLife achievements. Largent has lived with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes for 25 years. He has faced extraordinary challenges during his life without diabetes. An unfortunate accident left him quadriplegic, and later he lost his 19 year old daughter from cancer.

Largent could not control his blood sugar, putting themselves at risk of complications from diabetes. It was not until he began using an insulin pump began to take control of your health again.

Largent began traveling cross-country sharing his story and teach others that anything is possible when diabetes is well managed. He also visited the Capitol in an effort to educate politicians about the dilemma of dual disorders and diabetes.

Largent resiliency to conquer diabetes and quadriplegia is the kind of mind LillyforLife Achievement Award represents. Like many people living with diabetes whether the disease is managed, there is no reason you can not achieve your goals.