My Mother's Lengthy Search For A Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 35. Today, I am 65 years old. It was a pleasure getting a diagnosis because living with diabetes is a living hell. But this story is not about me. It's about my mother.
My mom's life before diagnosis
Before her diagnosis, she urinated frequently and drank a lot of water. She felt dizzy most of the time. I had taken her to several hospitals for treatment and received lots of suggestions and treatments.
One of the doctors that saw her suggested she get a diabetes test. She had type 2 diabetes.
Not taking T2D seriously
My mother didn't take her type 2 diabetes diagnosis seriously. Her belief was only "old people" get diabetes. She actually went into complete denial and continued with her daily routine of eating and doing things despite the doctor's advice to change her lifestyle.
My mom took her medication sporadically rather than following the daily schedule. As a result of not making certain lifestyle changes, she experienced eye problems.
In 1978, my mom went into a diabetic coma at the age of 37 and died. I was 19 at the time.
What diabetes has taught me
A lot has changed since 1978. Type 2 diabetes has taught me a lot of things. The bad news is that it consumes far too much of my time and mental space. I'm always worried about what I'm eating, where I'm going, and so many other constants in the back of my mind. I spent so much of my young life being angry. I was mad that I had diabetes, and it had so much control over me.
The worst part is when I find it challenging to do specific jobs and when my sugar level drops due to the constant change of medications, which makes me feel terrible most of the time.
But the good news is that I took ownership of my type 2 diabetes. I had no idea I could be an expert in managing my body, specifically glucose.
Changing my attitude
I had to change my attitude toward myself and my outlook on how I was eating and exercising; everything had to change. Foods that I enjoyed, such as soda, fast food, and chocolate, were removed from my plate, and I began eating healthy food. This was a challenging task for me, but I could do it. It took me a while to get to this point.
Don't go through it alone
Throughout the years, I've learned that those with it can manage diabetes.
If you have diabetes, don't fight it alone; instead, join a support group or any other organization for diabetes management. You must learn how to manage your diabetes and avoid the lonely syndrome.
In my case, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and meditation have all helped me get where I am now, and I have many more years to live. And I am reminded every day how important my community is.
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