Voices of Diabetes

Hi, my name is Alison and I am 42 years old. I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 12. I continue to use the traditional insulin injection therapy. I used a blood glucose (sugar) monitoring system that improved my A1C.   

I have always been active. I have been in the martial arts for almost 7 years and earned my black belt in the Shaolin karate/kungfu art in 2005. My training is extremely challenging with diabetes, but I found ways to manage my glucose levels easily.

I still cannot believe that I reached the black belt level with diabetes. I had a doctor who discouraged me from pursuing karate, as well as laughed at me for wanting to travel to China.

There are doctors out there who will try to discourage your progress. It is extremely important to exercise. There are so many articles written about the health benefits of exercise for diabetes. Also, it has been told to me that, since the martial arts rely on meditation for training, meditation also helps to improve our health.

Alison T, 41
Ridgefield, CT