Preferred testing site: Arms or thighs.¹ Debra prefers not to perform routine tests on her fingertips so she can save them for ice climbing.

Exercise program: Her whole life. Debra teaches aerobics classes, dances, choreographs—you name it. She's created workout videos that benefit the American Diabetes Association, including a Gospel Moves class for African-Americans and Cardio Swing, which features the Brian Setzer Orchestra. She also teaches specialized classes for kids.

Self-care routine: Debra doesn't use a pump because she's always "jumping around." So she injects two types of insulin. Because she's so active, she tests her blood up to 15 times a day: during breaks from aerobics classes or whenever she can fit it in.

Her support system: All of Debra's friends and family are involved. They all have keys to her home, and they call at 6 a.m. to make sure she hasn't woken up with high or low blood sugar.

Inspiration: Meeting Ron Santo, legendary Chicago Cubs third baseman, around age 13. She was impressed that a person with diabetes could be a successful professional athlete.

Why she makes self-care a priority: Debra remembers urine glucose testing and having the kids at school fear that she was contagious. Now she wants to educate other people about living active, exciting lives with diabetes.