Type 1 American Idol alum Cristal Bowersox admits she kept her diabetes a secret as she competed on the show. She didn’t want a pity party or for anyone to feel bad, but little did she know that by hiding her condition, the stress and pressure of the show caused her diabetes to put her life in danger.

Watch as she describes how she’s learned that being a diabetic on American Idol wasn’t a disadvantage but more of a platform for her to raise awareness of the importance of diabetes management. Don’t be ashamed of your diabetes, you’re not alone and any advice you can give will help others!