via jonasbrothersfans.ning.com

Nick Jonas is a world superstar with a down to earth attitude. How does he keep his ego on the low? The 16-year-old rock star says it may be because of his struggle with a very real disease: diabetes.

Nick has been raising awareness since he was diagnosed in 2005. Today is American Diabetes Alert Day, and the American Diabetes Association will try to reach the 60 million Americans who are unaware that they have or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The youngest Jobro is a Diabetes ambassador for Bayer and donated $25,000 to diabetes camps through his foundation; Jonas Brothers Change for the Children Foundation for diabetes care and research.

And how he is getting the word out? With his guitar, of course! Last year, Nick Jonas wrote the hit song, “A Little Bit Longer,” about facing his condition and pulling through. But when the JoBros aren’t rockin’ out on stage, they also work with their organization.

In a letter to fans on the website, Nick writes about the challenges he faced when he first was diagnosed. He realizes that a symptom of the disease is a negative attitude which can lead to depression, especially after diagnosed. Nick says he wants to be a positive light for young people who are suffering from this negativity and encourage them to play on.

Nick has been tackling this issue in massive waves through his Change for the Children campaign, but he also takes the time to make small differences or “simple wins.” For instance, he carries around a pile of guitar picks with him and whenever he meets another “diabetic buddy” as he calls it, he gives them a pick, “a cool little thing,” he says. How cute?

He also got creative and designed some killer dog tag necklaces for Bayer, a company that makes the blood glucose monitor Nick and other diabetes patients uses to manage their blood sugar. Half the proceeds from the dog tag sales will go to the JoBro’s Change for the Children foundation.

Want to team up with Nick? Learn more about diabetes.
By CGG reporter, Caroline Kotter