Nick Jonas speaking out about his diabetes.

Nick Jonas  made a passionate plea recently to an audience of journalists at the National Press Club asking them to raise more awareness about type 1 diabetes to motivate young people like him and their families to properly manage their condition. Nick, 16, is one of the youngest guests ever invited to speak at the Club. He talked about his own journey with diabetes, the charitable efforts of the Jonas Brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation and why he embraces the role of diabetes ambassador.Nick recounted that until he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost four years ago, he didn’t know anything about, or anybody else with, the condition. That has all since changed. With the love and support of his family, he has learned how to live with and manage his condition. He wrote the song, “A Little Bit Longer,” to share that experience and inspire others. In 2007 Nick went public with his diabetes. The impact of that announcement and his subsequent work with the Bayer Diabetes Care NicksSimpleWins.com campaign has had far reaching global impact, helping to raise awareness of the disease. Much more needs to be done, he said, and he asked reporters to help.

“So many fans with diabetes from all over the world share their stories and thank me for being an inspiration to them,” said Nick. “It’s important for them to know that they motivate and inspire me as well. I’m lucky to have a great support system in my family as well as the tools I need to manage my diabetes properly. By speaking publicly about my experience I hope to increase diabetes awareness, encourage diabetes education and help fundraising for research and other programs for kids with diabetes. The more you report about diabetes, the more people will know,” he told members of the press.

Nick’s passion for helping other young people with diabetes by sharing his experience is just one of the ways he “gives back” to fans. He and his brothers, Kevin and Joe, started the Jonas Brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation through which they donate funds to several causes including pediatric diabetes research, education and treatment.

“When Nick talks about diabetes, people listen. And until there is a cure, the greatest weapon against diabetes is increased awareness and knowing how to manage it,” said Nancy Katz, head of North America for Bayer Diabetes Care. “That includes working with a health care professional for guidance on regular monitoring of blood sugar and A1C levels, proper diet and exercise and having a positive attitude to achieve every day simple wins.”