ISYAD (2000)   The Interactive Summit of Young Adults with Diabetes was this year held at the Melbourne Town Hall on October 7th and was attended by 200 young adults living with diabetes, their partners, friends and family.      Dr Linda Beeney, one of the very few psychologists specialising in diabetes, opened the day by dispelling numerous myths about psychology and psychologists and explaining that diabetes psychology is actually just about helping "normal people who have been exposed to abnormal circumstances."      Dr Rick Kausman, GP and author of "If Not Dieting Then What?" got us thinking on The Weight Issue with concepts such as "morally neutral" descriptions of food and identifying non-hungry eating.  Another popular session was naturopath Eleanor Tan's Alternative Therapies workshop looking at holistic approaches to living with diabetes.  Achieving Peak Performance, Recreational Drugs, Travelling, Yoga, The GI Factor, Relationships and The Cure are just a selection of the other topics discussed at ISYAD.       Our sincere thanks are extended to all speakers who generously volunteered their time to participate in this event, and to the sponsors for their continuing generous support.      Notes from most of the sessions and more details about ISYAD are available at this website or by contacting us at <realitycheck@bigpond.com>. Something happened recently and really changed my attitude towards Diabetes … I went to ISYAD 2000.  What happened?  I no longer am vulnerable to the ‘just self’ hypothesis.  I no longer believe that I am unique, special, different to everyone else because I have diabetes.  I no longer believe that no one understands me and that I really am (emphasized!) different from everybody else. I am one with a group of people, chosen to challenge life from a ‘different’ perspective, and it is that that has made us, what was clearly evident at ISYAD, strong, brave, real. Scared enough to admit our truths – there was an underlying sense of trust … I trust you all understand what I am talking about.  Andronicki <andronicki@hotmail.com> I thought ISYAD 2000 was the best conference ever. Okay, it is the only one I have attended but I still thought the conference Rocks. It has been over 17 years since I have had any contact with other diabetics.       I met some really nice people at the conference and I found the talks really informative. I  picked up a few good ideas and ways of thinking that I couldn't have come up with on my own. After being insulin-dependant for over 20 years you think you have seen it all and know it all and it is refreshing to know that this is not the case.       It was not as stuck up or stiff as I thought it would be and when the drinks were brought out I knew this was something I could get used to!  I will be at ISYAD 2001 for sure.       The food was great and the entertainment was fantastic. The night as a whole was exceptional.       Thank you for a great night and one to fondly remember.       Thanks again.  <kenhowlett@hotmail.com.au>     Vital Stats 196 participants from 4 states Average Age 24.9 Fave radio station Triple J 69 men, 127 women 89 bottles of wine 17 speakers 1 comedian 6 entertainers 14 sponsors Presentations Psyching up for Diabetes  Sex in the City Stress Management Relationships Peak Performance The GI Factor Recreational Drugs The Weight Issue Pregnancy Race around the World Yoga & Relaxation Alternative Therapies Doctor-Patient    Relationships The Cure    What’s Happening?