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Nick Jonas is an unofficial spokesman for teens with diabetes

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By MARY SHEDDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2009

Pop superstar Nick Jonas is using his fame to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes.

Now 17, the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers band was just 13 when he was diagnosed with the chronic condition. He's put an adorable, teen-aged face on a disease affecting 2.3 million Americans, many of whom are first diagnosed as children or teens.

"You never think it will be you. I'd had 13 years of perfect medical history," Jonas said last year in a National Press Club speech. "The first thing I asked was, 'Am I going to die?' My doctor said no, but that this is something you'll have to live with for the rest of your life."

Jonas' diabetes has spawned his involvement in a number of diabetes awareness campaigns, an opportunity to testify before Congress this past summer, and a diabetes-related power ballad that became the title track of the group's latest album, "A Little Bit Longer."

"I always try to be on top of it," Jonas said of his diabetes last year, "so I can do what I want in life and I can live my dream."

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