On February 27, 2004, I was diagnosed with type 2
diabetes. At the urging of family and friends, I have decided to write my
story.
As I sat and listened to the doctor explain my options, I
was devastated. She explained that she would give me one month to get my sugar
levels down with diet and exercise, but she believed I would have to be put on
medication to manage it. STRIKE ONE!
As I left the office I was worried and scared about what
I had to look forward to in the future. As I sat in my vehicle I thought wait a
minute, give me a chance! That evening with our granddaughter, I made my first
lap around the neighborhood.
Later as I talked with my daughter-in-law (a nurse), she
explained some things about the sugar and what could happen when it was to
high. She explained about diabetic comas, and if I didn’t get it down it
wouldn’t be safe for me to drive with our granddaughters or take care of them.
STRIKE TWO!
That night I went on the Internet and did some research to
find out everything I could about diabetes. I found that they were linking the
type 2 diabetes with Alzheimer’s disease; my mother (who was diagnosed several
years ago with diabetes), now has Alzheimer’s disease. FOUL BALL!!
With each psychological strike I increased my laps around
the neighborhood by miles, after more research and a visit to the American
Diabetes Association web sight; I ordered a book of exchanges and started my
diet the next day.
And now I've got the support of my husband, family, dear
friends and even my whole neighborhood cheering me. I have endured blisters,
pulled ligaments, leaky umbrellas, and I have lost 97 lbs, I walk 8 miles a
day, my sugar is staying at normal levels without any medications, and I feel
better than I have felt in years.
HOME RUN!!!
Denise A, 52
Mt. Carmel, IL
132838