I agree that it makes you mature and resilient. At my son's school, there is a school nurse who spoke to the form class last November, when he was diagnosed. She basically said she'd not tolerate any teasing or negative comments and if she heard of anything, the people concerned would have her to answer to. She's amazing.... But the close friends were subtle and under the radar. He heard them talking about him on Xbox and then was really upset that they'd been mean and then were nice the next day. There was also teasing. Then, although he was sad at first, he dropped the "friends" and stopped talking to them. I was so proud that he had the strength to do that, even when it hurt. I was really upset too, because I thought they were lovely boys. Some friends have been better. But this kind of things is very tough at your age, as you're fighting hormones and all kinds, as well as having to get to grips with the social side of life - all while managing blood sugars that won't seem to behave. Keep in touch Beth - if you're on Facebook, he might be happier connecting that way. xxx