Chris Thomas never planned to start a revolution. It just happened that way.

In 2007, Thomas was like any other fresh-out-of-college kid. After seven years working in the bar and restaurant business, he was having a hard time adjusting to a daytime work schedule. Or, at least, that’s what he thought.

Though he drank high-sugar sodas and sports drinks, he was constantly sluggish, which he attributed to his frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. The sugar high helped combat his sleepiness and dry mouth, but after a few months, he realized that he was losing weight. He could barely keep 115 pounds on his once-150-pound frame.

Uninsured, Thomas searched the Internet for a diagnosis. His sleuthing led him to determine that a thyroid condition, which ran in his family, was likely. His mom handed him a blank check, and he scheduled a doctor’s appointment for May 28, 2007.

Within hours of arriving at the doctor’s office, Thomas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The rest of the day and most of the weeks that followed were a blur. The pamphlets he received that explained his new condition were vague and depressing. Each one outlined a limited future: shots, constant blood-sugar monitoring and terrifying complications. And that was only if he could afford the medical supplies.

Filled with frustration and anger, he considered his options. Despite his supportive family, he couldn’t stay in the Midwest where he suddenly felt like a freak. His friends’ concern, though justified, often came across as overbearing. They didn’t understand the new challenges his diagnosis presented, nor did they understand why Thomas was edgy when they suggested he overhaul his eating habits and lifestyle. He packed his bags and left for New York City, moving in with a distant cousin he had never met.

Thomas consulted with a dietitian but still had no idea how to manage his health. Half of his paycheck already went to medical supplies; specialists who could have provided additional counseling were a luxury he couldn’t afford.

Being in his mid-20s didn’t make life easier. He stayed out until dawn and ignored all but the easiest-to-adhere-to advice. He constantly pushed the envelope, and when it looked like he might be in trouble, he pushed harder.

“You’re a diabetic rock star,” his friends exclaimed. The moniker stuck.

Within months, though, Thomas had his first real diabetic emergency. His blood sugar crashed while he was house-sitting — and, because he had shaken off the warning signs, he spent a terrifying half hour stumbling around the empty kitchen looking for anything to fend off a seizure.

“That’s when I realized that I was dealing with something I might not be able to handle,” Thomas said. “I could feel it coming on, but that was the first time I realized that this thing was a monster that I had to try to control.”

In a city of nearly eight million people, Thomas felt alone. He didn’t know anyone else with his condition. So he started a blog where he could chronicle his struggles with diabetes. Other diabetics commented on his posts, offering their own insights. And slowly, Diabetic Rockstar was born.

Today, Diabetic Rockstar is a multifaceted organization helping recently diagnosed diabetics understand, cope with and fight their disease.

Primarily started as a site where diabetics could create profiles and share their experiences, it now includes a social network specifically for diabetics under age 18 and a mentoring program for adults.

Rock stars, according to Thomas, don’t accept the status quo.

Several companies that manufacture testing meters found Thomas’s site. One sent $13,000 worth of supplies for Thomas to distribute to those who couldn’t afford their own. Thomas posted a message, letting his readers know he had free supplies that he could send them if they couldn’t afford their own. And The Fight IT! Campaign, a charity that provides supplies like testing meters and strips to those who can’t afford them, took off.

“Other organizations focus on awareness and research,” Thomas said. “We want to fight for the people who have diabetes right now, especially those who can’t afford their treatments. What good is a cure if you don’t live long enough to see it?”

As if Thomas doesn’t have enough to focus on, his vision keeps getting bigger. He wants to end the stereotypes associated with his condition.

“Diabetics aren’t damaged goods,” he said. “It’s not that all of us were overweight people who didn’t take care of ourselves. We’re just like everyone else. We have to be careful, but we can lead normal lives.”

Check out AOL Health for more information on diabetes care.

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Filed under: Diabetes • Diabetes Cure • Diabetes Treatment

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