Nick Jonas, ex of Miley, youngest Jonas Brother and overall cutie, is set to speak at a National Press Club luncheon on Aug. 24. Jonas will discuss his personal experiences living with and managing his juvenile diabetes and his efforts to inspire other youth dealing with diabetes to manage their disease.
The 16-year-old Jonas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 13 and is making a commitment to bring his experiences, from diagnosis to treatment, public in order to raise awareness about the illness. In June, he testified before Congress to call for support of diabetes research funding. He also joined brothers Kevin and Joe to create the Jonas Brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation. The foundation will offer programs to raise money and awareness for various diabetes programs.
In 2007, the Jonas Brothers performed at a Diabetes Research Institute fundraiser in New York City. During the show, Nick asked audience members to raise their hands if they had diabetes. Then he raised his hand, too, revealing for the first time publicly that he has type 1 diabetes.
“I had an emotional breakdown since I really had no idea what diabetes was all about. I wondered, ‘why me?’” Jonas said in a 2007 interview, “Then I asked myself, ‘why not me?’ and realized that I might be able to help other kids with diabetes.”
Jonas requested federal funding for diabetes research, and reminded Congress about the urgent need for a cure for a disease he lives with every day. The busy Jonas Bro has also launched” Nick’s Simple Wins.” The website aims to inspire young people cope with the illness that needs tending to daily. Jonas usually checks his blood sugar up to 10 times a day.