From Canoe.com September 17, 1999

Boston (CP)- Nick Boynton was diagnosed with diabetes on September 1st, 1999. One day before he left home and headed to Boston Bruins training camp, he received the diagnosis. Looking forward to making an impression on the Bruins, who selected him in the first round in the NHL draft in June, Boynton, 20, adhered to a strict summer workout regimen, but started to experience extreme fatigue in early August.

"I was tired all the time", he told the Ottawa Citizen. "I needed lost of sleep". Boynton also lost 15 pounds in two weeks, was always thirsty, and frequently needed to urinate. "I just knew something was wrong". Boynton made two visits to his family doctor in Nobleton, ONT; and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes.

Soon after, the former Ottawa 67's captain and Memorial Cup MVP, was re-diagnosed with Type 1, or juvenile diabetes. "But I was almost glad in a way," Boynton said. "At least I knew what was wrong and could deal with it."

In some ways, says Martin McInally, senior manager of media relation for the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, Boynton has an advantage over others diagnosed with Type 1. "One of the key factors in managing diabetes is exercise," McInally said. "With proper management and control of his blood sugar level, there's no reason why Boynton can't live a normal life."

For more information on Diabetes, please visit the following sites:

American Diabetes Association

Canadian Diabetes Association