Hi all. I'd like to share with you my thoughts on being diabetic, one year after my diagnosis. I am a type 2 niddm.
Of course, like most people, when the doctor uttered the dreaded 'D' word, I was pretty upset. I knew it might be coming, but I had hoped that I'd still scrape through. Maybe if the test results were in my favour, I could change things. Too late. The lecture I got from the doctor scared me. I understand that there is no way to say "it's all going to be alright", because it isn't, but she really laid it on thick. In some ways it was fair enough. Although I don't drink (well, maybe one or two a month) and I don't smoke (the doc's words, 'if you smoke, you've had it'), I weighed in at over 140Kgs (308lbs) and consumed prodigious amounts of fast food and fizzy drinks. The government produce a pack for newly diagnosed cases, but incredibly, the doc didn't give me one. So for a few days I was staggering around, clueless and scared! I happened to be at the doctors on an unrelated visit a few days later, when I mentioned my new disease to the nurse. She was amazed that I hadn't got the pack and got me one straight away. Phew! So, now I could sort out a plan of attack.
First up, lose weight! for me, there was no alternative. Horror stories of blindness, loss of organ function and limbs got me pounding the pavement! I was given 3 months to lose some weight, or I'd be on medication. That was motivating, let me tell you. The diet was radically altered. No fast food, more vegetables and smarter, lower GI products. Next, the blood glucose monitor. I had to choose a blue and white one to reflect my support of Tottenham (English football team). Thank you Accuchek for having just the one! I went to see another doctor who I felt a little more comfortable with. That, I think is vitally important. After a very short time, my bs readings (that's 'b'lood 's'ugar, my other bs readings are off the scale!) were within acceptable range. I've lost about 40lbs. Admittedly, the diet has been relaxed somewhat, which has slowed down the weight loss, but greater education on the effects of various foods has helped. I've even been on a supermarket tour! And that's how it's been up until now. Despair has given way to determination. I know that my body is slowing down (I'm 41), and that I won't be able to stave off drugs forever, but I'm going to try!
The overall vibe I've got from our community is one of quiet sadness but with a great deal of courage. This is a nasty, rotten disease, so I am totally in awe of so many people on this board. Many boardies have so many things to contend with, so many other illnesses and problems. But they still step up to the plate. They are in so much pain on a daily basis, but choose to pass on their wisdom and humour, helping everyone from those with type 2 to those with full on type 1 and complications. You guys are terrific and have been a real help, especially in the dark early days.
I still believe that in a decade, the boffins will have come up with something that will zap the pancreas or get another organ to assist, so that we can get normally functioning insulin. I know, it's optimistic and I can appreciate that veterans have seen many 'miracle' cures come and go. But with this disease, I think a little optimism can't hurt.
If you've got this far, I thank you. This is the Reader's Digest version! I was going to go on even more!
Cheers and thanks!
Brian
Post Edited By Moderator (eljay1066) : 9/26/2006 12:57:44 PM (GMT-6)