From Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch

Jim Bazner, 40, of Trenton, realized he had type 1 diabetes while in the United Kingdom on international assignment.

By Nate Stemen

Jim Bazner hadn’t given type 1 diabetes (T1D), also known as juvenile diabetes, much thought throughout adolescence or as an adult.

It didn’t cross his mind when he won a state championship with the Trenton High School hockey team.

He didn’t think of juvenile diabetes when he boarded a plane, as a 28-year-old man, to the United Kingdom 12 years ago.

Bazner, 40, of Trenton, first became aware of juvenile diabetes shortly after moving to the United Kingdom on international assignment, where doctors told him he suffered from the chronic condition.

He became painfully aware of juvenile diabetes when doctors told him he would be forced to give himself multiple daily injections to stay alive.

Type 1 diabetes is a a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy, according to the MayoClinic.com.

Undaunted, Bazner forged ahead in life and work.

Bazner now sits on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) of southeast Michigan. He also acts as a spokesperson for the condition.

Bazner recently spoke at the 28th Annual Promise Ball Gala to share his story and help raise awareness for juvenile diabetes.

“I want people to know about Breakthrough T1D and know that it’s for adults and children,” Bazner said.”To help find the cure, we need other people like me to get behind this cause.”

Bazner said he takes his role as spokesperson very seriously and spends much of his time encouraging people to donate to Breakthrough T1D.

“There will be a cure,” Bazner said.

Go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation website to donate.