Sometimes It’s Not Always About Us

I was so happy when my doctor took me off diabetes medication. My numbers were standard enough for her, and she believed I didn't need medication. This went well for about 6 months, but my numbers have crept up again, so I'm back on medication.

Type 2 diabetes feels like a constant worry

Right now, I am worried about what I eat, where I'm going, and what I'm doing. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is starting to pluck my last nerve. I do what I am supposed to do in this life. It's time-consuming, messing with my mental capacity, and overall wellness.

For most of my waking hours, I'm worried about what I'm eating, where I'm going, what I'm doing, and whether my sugar will spike at any minute. I guess I'm more concerned about this because my mom went into a diabetic coma and passed years ago.

Earlier years with T2D symptoms

I was shocked to learn that I had type 2 diabetes years ago because I was somewhat of a healthy person who exercised daily, ate a balanced diet, abstained from alcohol, maintained a healthy weight, and made sure to be checked out by a doctor yearly.

When I started having impaired vision an expert couldn't determine the cause. A friend of the family mentioned that I might be diabetic, which I dismissed. My blurred vision remained for a while until they urged me to undergo testing for diabetes. This included testing my blood, which came back positive. At times my blood sugar level was excessively high, according to the test results.

Finding support and understanding

It didn't quite register at first, so I went home and researched T2D and read books. There is very confusing stuff there. I had to ask many questions to specialists, including my doctor, which made it even more unclear.  I joined a support group with patients who had similar symptoms to mine. Over time, I was able to comprehend the severity of my condition thoroughly.

My support group peers warned me that managing type 2 diabetes requires a lot of self-control. They told me that I should prepare myself to have the disease for the rest of my life. I was terrified to learn about this. I didn't want to take medication but was advised that I had to get my blood sugar under control.

The doctor put me on a couple of medications at first to monitor my condition with the assistance of a dietician, who gave me advice on what foods to avoid and what to add to my diet. I was advised on preparing nutritious, diabetes-friendly meals and what foods to include.  It took time, but I was able to improve both my exercise routine and nutrition simultaneously.

It's not just about me

My blood sugar is now under control with medication, and I am overjoyed that my vision wasn't permanently affected. I have had diabetes for a few years now. I'm now 65 years old. I hope to spend many more years with my family and friends.

If you are a grandparent, you know life begins with your grandkids. I have 6; the youngest is 15, and the oldest is 25, but now a great-grandchild (2 months old) has entered the picture. I am determined to be around to witness her grow up.

I thank God for allowing me to age gracefully and with the ability to narrate my life in real time. Trust me, being disciplined, making early diagnoses, and paying attention to the specialist will be crucial.

We are not alone on this journey.