My Discovery With Type 2 Diabetes

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes years ago. It has now been over 25 years of living with it. The symptoms began when I was in my mid-thirties. I experienced constant dehydration, hunger, and fatigue. At one point, I started losing weight, which prompted me to see a doctor.

Family history of type 2 diabetes

My mother died at 38 from complications of type 2 diabetes. I was 19 years old. I knew this was nothing to take lightly. Before my diagnosis, I had undergone several tests with no success in determining what was "wrong" with me.

It wasn't until our family doctor dug deeper and tested me for diabetes, which turned out to be positive. I didn't know much about diabetes at first, even though many family members had complications. I was much older when I realized it was a potentially fatal disease, even with my family history.

Getting second opinions and treatment plans

Type 2 diabetes was a disease caused by high blood sugar in the body, caused by my body's insulin not working properly to regulate sugar. I knew it was a potentially fatal disease but put this out of my mind. To confirm the diagnosis, I went to several doctors and received opinions on different treatment plans.

I received the same diabetes 2 type results each time, which showed that my blood sugar was at 7 percent. Because my blood sugar was so high, I started insulin therapy right away. But within a week, I started coughing and feeling anxious all the time. My doctor changed my medication and suggested I eat right and exercise.

Changing my lifestyle habits

Changing my medication helped a lot, and within a few weeks, I learned that my blood sugar had dropped from 7 percent to 5.2 percent, which made me very happy. However, I did not stop there; I embarked on a healthy lifestyle to ensure I had defeated this dreadful disease.

Modifying my diet and exercising

I wanted to change my lifestyle, so I began a healthy diet and exercised daily. It worked for a while. I gave up my sweets and processed foods to get a healthier lifestyle.

The lifestyle changes only lasted a short time with me. In my mind, I was thinking, "I look good, and I feel good. My mom died at an early age. Was I going to change anything in my life by depriving myself?"

Mental health struggles

Depression had a significant impact on my life, so I saw a psychologist. I realized that my steps were correct and that I was on the right track to taming the disease, but I wasn't serious enough about wanting to reverse my condition. I learned to accept my situation and accept everything that came with it.

Reflecting over the years

The past 25 or so years have not been easy. I'm up and down; I lose weight and gain weight. I'm not as thirsty or hungry as when I started this journey with type 2 diabetes. I am committed to taking my medication daily to keep my numbers at bay.

My husband also has type 2 diabetes but manages his diabetes very differently than I do. He eats right and exercises. He doesn't have an ounce of fat on him, but he has to take pills and shots.

Focusing on every day habits

I'm in my later years of life now, and I have finally decided why I want to change. I have replaced a couple of bad habits with good ones. I know I'm not perfect and will make slip-ups, so I prepare myself for them. We are all human and will make some bad choices.