I'm a Type II, diagnosed in 1983. I've been on insulin since around 1987 or '88 and I find it funny that people are so scared of needles. Unfortunately, being a Vietnam veteran with multiple tours and some heavy exposure to Agent Orange doesn't help. I also have Meniere's disase, Giant Cell Temporal Arteritis, heart disease (1 heart attack), degenerative osteo necrosis, osteo arthritis and severe bilateral peripheral neuropathy. I rode extensively when I was a teenager and had a suburban/rural paper route that really built up my leg muscles but pretty much gave up cycling when I returned home from the military. I had a mostly sedentary job as a software consultant until I retired in 1999 at the age of 51. Since then, my physical abilities have been greatly compromised. Then about two and a half years ago, one of my brothers was talking about building a recumbent trike. I didn't even know what that was, so after several months of online research, I decided to try my hand at it. I've always loved metal working as a hobby and have a blacksmith shop, machine shop and several welding rigs. Two years ago, with a teenage grandson, I built my first delta trike and LOVED IT. I cannot ride much because of my illnesses (spent three of the last seven days in bed!) but now I'm working on my second (and better) trike. I hope to have it ready in another month or two and look forward to riding again. The first trike was too heavy but this one will be quite a bit lighter. I'll have some pics and an article on the build in the near future. I was told last week that I need a knee replacement but because of all the other maladies, don't look forward to any more surgery (I've had 7 for various reasons already). I opted for a cortisone shot instead and that took away the pain but it didn't help with my inability to flex my left knee. Never the less, I'm determined to get back to riding, one way or another! I'm now 62 and figure that despite having a 100% disability rating (from the VA), I'm too young to quit!