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High on Sugar: Living with DiabetesLet’s see – how old am I anyway? I don’t really need to ask myself that question – I do know the answer. Yet, inside, I still feel like the younger person I have always been. So it seems I have to remind myself that I am "almost 70".
I have never been challenged with personal health issues – up until now. Other than some bad bruises and broken bones due to stumbles and falls caused by my poor vision and clumsiness, and – oh yeah – a few years with a bad back, I have sailed along through life with a feeling of invincibility and a cavalier attitude (as my partner recently pointed out to me). I avoided doctors and checkups like the plague. I bragged that I rarely if ever had even a cold, let alone the flu. When a doctor did get her hands on me a couple of years ago, she told me I had all the characteristics of metabolic syndrome: elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose readings, and excess body fat around the middle. As well, I have family members with diabetes. She encouraged me to eat properly and exercise every day, and possibly avoid any need for medication to treat the condition. And so I continued on my merry way, confident that I was living well: It was “early to bed, early to rise” with a morning workout in the pool and long walks during the day. I drank my fluids, ate my fruits and veggies and whole grains, avoided red meat, and only occasionally treated myself to sweets and desserts. I did not smoke or drink. I practiced meditation and relaxation and actively worked at avoiding or, at least, reducing unnecessary stress in my life. I truly believed myself to be healthy and so resisted my partner’s suggestion, which after a while turned into nagging and then resigned silence on the topic, that it was time I had a medical checkup. I knew it was wise to do so, but wanted to do it in my own good time. Finally I reluctantly made an appointment, got myself checked over, and submitted to various lab tests. Later, when I went back to hear the results, I wasn’t sure that I had heard the doctor correctly, and I stopped her short. "Are you telling me that I actually have diabetes?" I queried, and much to my shock and surprise, she said "yes, you have type 2 diabetes". This time I did take her seriously. I had joined the ranks of the millions of North Americans who are living with diabetes. Given the problems with the Canadian health care system, I have been pleasantly surprised at the immediacy, quality, and availability of services for persons with diabetes. Along with my very supportive partner, I have attended an information class for people with newly diagnosed diabetes. I have consulted with a dietician and a nurse practitioner with a specialty in diabetes. I have obtained a blood glucose meter which allows me to monitor my levels at home on a daily basis. I have made a follow-up visit to my nurse practitioner who has given me all the time I needed to ask questions and discuss goals and strategies for this controllable and self-manageable condition. I have learned that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications which include: blindness; loss of toes, feet, or legs; kidney failure; as well as greater risk of certain cancers, heart attack and stroke. I am becoming better informed on the topic by delving into the wealth of information on type 2 diabetes in books and on the internet. I am learning how to better manage my blood glucose levels and how to balance food, exercise, medication, and stress on a day to day basis. Without discounting my previous efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle, I have made significant changes to my diet and exercise program in order to better control my blood sugar and lose weight. I am now eating smaller quantities of wholesome food more regularly and counting the carbohydrates I consume throughout the day. I have enhanced my early morning cardio workout in the pool and aim at walking 10,000 steps a day. So, I got my comeuppance. I now have a sharper awareness of my physical vulnerability, aging and mortality. I am now more attuned to those subtle body signals that alert me to how I actually feel and how my body is reacting to diet and activity level. I am acceptent of the fact that I am largely responsible for the control and management of this condition. What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. My advice: if you have any of the risk factors listed above have yourself tested for type 2 diabetes every year. As well, take control of your life and make every effort to eat a wholesome diet, lose weight, and maintain a positive, active lifestyle.
         
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