Voices of Diabetes

Exercise is the best defense for diabetes. There was a time when I was able to exercise for 30 minutes a day for about a month. I was able to cut my triglycerides and cholesterol in 3-4 months without medication.

At this time I was in between jobs and I could not afford to go to the doctor as much so I had to help myself. The results were amazing and surprising to me. I was able to have a little bit more freedom with my diet. Now I work at a job I almost live at. Since I don’t have the time to exercise so much I use the benefits of my job to help me. I have to sweep and mop every day and night that I work. When I go home at the end of my shift, my blood glucose (sugar) levels are wonderful.

These shifts are 10 hours and some days and some nights. This can seem impossible when it is suggested for diabetics on insulin to eat the same amount at the same time every day. So for me, prayer, exercise and diet are the only ways to cope with this disease.

Kathia D, 44
Columbus Junction, IA

The more I understand this disease the more I can act accordingly. At times I feel like I just want this to go away, but I know it won't and I can't just give up.

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and set about to rebuild my life. I thought that I would simply incorporate diabetes into my existing life. Little did I know!

She was so scared and thought at first she did something wrong. She told me she tried to bring me a snack...

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old and was forced to quit playing soccer due to its negative effects on my blood sugar.

My co-pays on my medications are so expensive that I can't afford to have them filled. And, I make too much money to get them for free.

You can probably recite the long list of exercise benefits, but as you analyze your busy schedule, you wonder where-oh-where you can fit in the recommended 30 minutes (on most days) of activity.

Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 years ago, I have been managing my diabetes with eating right and exercise.

If you’re on a search for healthy coping tips, first explore your options.

I have had so many things in my life that I could write 3 best sellers!...But, I refuse to dwell on the adversities.

Time is of the essence. To get the most out of your visits, use these checklists to prepare ahead and be ready for your provider at your appointments.

High blood sugar in the mornings had been tough for me to deal with in the past...I now feel a whole lot better, and my blood sugar in the mornings and before bed is almost normal.

Even though I have days when I don't get out and move, I also have some days when I really surprise myself and push myself to walk...

Diabetes educators…can be a sounding board, coach, or cheerleader; or offer you a shoulder to cry on or hearty pats on the back when you accomplish a goal.

Taking a positive outlook on diabetes and telling myself that I will beat it and not let it beat me helped me a lot.

What it took for me to take control of my diabetes was a simple thing...My HMO changed my physician...He sat me down and told me he wasn't going to allow me to continue to accept having diabetes.

Don’t wait for diabetes burnout to happen! Instead, try to beat diabetes burnout with a few preventive actions.

I see that so many people just feel like giving up...I hope that all of you diabetics out there--young or old, type 1 or type 2--can find hope in this New Year.

I have a few aches and pains, but when I feel bad, I get up and move. It lifts your spirits immediately and also helps keep your blood sugar levels in check.

When I found out that I had diabetes, I was scared--but I got over it. Now I'm trying to cope with staying on course.

I guess I can say that I am refusing to realize what could happen to my body by eating what I am not supposed to eat...I just cannot stop the donuts, candy, cake, pudding, etc.

There was a gentleman in the hospital at the same time that I was...He was almost 50 years older than I was, but we both shared the same anxiety about what the future would hold for us.

My diabetes is finally under control, and I love to share my story with anyone at anytime.

I have made myself spend at least 30 minutes a day walking or using an exercise machine. I was told if I stick to this, I could go another 10 to 15 years without insulin.

I have had diabetes for over 30 years and am, fortunately, very healthy. However, I go through periods of time when I just don't eat the way I should.

It was devastating to me to find out that I had diabetes. There was something on the inside that would not let me claim this disease...

I have been working...10-hour shifts. This rough situation has forced me to monitor my blood sugar, take care of my heart, and eat better.

Diabetes has not stopped me from doing anything that I have wanted to do, and I won't let it.

If you have to have a serious disease, diabetes is the one to have, because we can control it...

I just turned 51 years old, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I had diabetes...I knew there was something wrong--but, I never thought that I'd have to stick myself twice a day and take pills.

I work rotating shifts at the local jail in my town. It is hard at times to even eat regularly. I'm lucky to get to eat. I get off work and am so exhausted I barely make it home. How do I exercise, work, and keep a positive outlook?