It is mid-August and about 80 degrees outside. The Lakeland football team is preparing, mentally and physically, for the upcoming season.

The whistle blows at 3 p.m. The men separate into their designated groups and start to practice.

As everyone is getting in their reps and preparing themselves, Romain Johnson II, junior communications major and linebacker, is sitting out for a period of time due to Type 1 juvenile diabetes.

“Type 1 is more insulin dependent because my pancreas failed on me,” said Johnson. “I’ve been insulin dependent since I was three-years-old. [I need] three to five [injections] a day depending upon how my sugar is.”

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 usually happens when the person is a juvenile. Diabetes is genetic and runs in Johnson’s family; however, his family has Type 2 diabetes.

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetics can create their own insulin, but they do not produce enough.

“[He is very] high in spirit and just fun to be around,” said Trevor Tanck, senior communication major. “You can just tell when his sugar levels aren’t good. He isn’t the same person we all know. When his blood sugar levels are good, he is out there bouncing around, being loud and proud.”

When his blood sugar gets too high, he starts to feel sleepy and nauseous, but if his blood sugar gets too low, he starts to feel hungry or shaky. As a kid, he would pass out.

On the field and off, diabetes affects him the same. He must maintain well-balanced meals throughout the day. He also takes insulin right before he eats to help break the sugar down.

Having a well-balanced diet and making sure he takes his insulin when needed are crucial, especially during the football season.

Even when he is feeling down during a game, Johnson still fights to finish the series until the opposing team is forced to punt.

“If you’re around somebody, don’t ignore the signs [of diabetes],” said Johnson.”If someone complains about how hungry they are, have them get checked, especially if it runs in their family.”