Diary of a Diabetic-Entry 1
@gnatsmom (2575)
August 27, 2017 9:17pm CST
In my opinion, one of the most misunderstood diseases is diabetes. I was diagnosed in 1999. My father was a diabetic and his mother before him. Basically, all I knew was diabetes meant your glucose levels were too high. All of the reading information on causes and treatment were basic "cookie cutter" pamphlets. Although the information on diabetes (in general) was plentiful, the information on how each individual was affected differently or the the different circumstances that would aggravate the condition were sorely lacking. I spent the next 17 years battling this disease and pretty much losing. The last two years have been a breakthrough.
So through this series of posts, I would like to share my journey, the ups and downs, the disappointments, the misunderstands, and finally, the onging victory.
The first step in winning with diabetes is understanding the disease. There is so much more than what you read in a pamphlet from the doctors office. One must go into the treatment plan understanding that there is not a one-size-fits-all program. Also, treatment involves more than lowering blood sugars.
Our friends and family and society will often hurt us by labeling us as people who just eat too much or just need to lose weight. They won't always understand our emotional struggles. So it is not a bad idea to find a support group where people will understand and encourage you.
If you are struggling with diabetes, stay tuned for post to cover the plethora of struggles one will face with this disease. Feel free to ask questions and maybe, together, we can be victorious in our battle for life.
4 people like this
4 responses
@deazil (4730)
• United States
28 Aug 17
Although I'm not a diabetic, I believe that it's a much misunderstood disease. Writing about it is a very good idea. Giving comprehensive information will be very educational for everyone and possibly even somewhat therapeutic for you. I suffer from panic attacks, also a much misunderstood affliction. I have to say that, at best, PA are very difficult to understand for those not afflicted. There are people who won't even talk to you about it. If you mention it, they change the subject. PA can cause isolation from society.
I remember when I was about 9-years-old my mother was on the phone with her best friend. After she hung up she began to cry. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that her friend had informed her that her 7-year-old son had been diagnosed with diabetes. That was in the late '50s. It was devastating news. But he learned to inject himself with insulin. He lost weight and looked pretty bad and went through some very difficult times, but in a few years he built himself up. He occasionally stayed overnight at our house, he was my younger brother's age. Then I didn't see him for several years, until we were in high school. I couldn't believe how he looked - muscular, healthy, a really good looking guy. He worked hard at staying healthy.
Congratulations on finally reaching a victory in your struggle with a devastating disease. You've tackled it in a very intelligent manner. Good luck with your series of posts.
2 people like this
@gnatsmom (2575)
•
28 Aug 17
Ninety years old!! So nice to hear from you. You are an inspiration. I am 48 and have just kind of been depressed because I felt like my life was over. My parents are in their 70s and have been in bad health for the last 20 years. I do not want to end up like that. I love hearing from people who have so many years of wisdom to share.
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
28 Aug 17
It`s nice to understand the real causes of diabetes and how to handle it...Thank you for a helpful infromations..Well..my home doctor said that I`m not diabetic but if not being careful there might be a possibility..So, After that I just started to control my sugar intake and also those food that are rich in carbohydrates and drink a lot of water..Have a nice day 
1 person likes this
