I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in July 2005. It
truly wasn't a surprise since my mother had Type 2 and her mother had Type 1.
However, my 11-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in March 2006;
that DID come as a shock to our family.
My wife was not familiar with the disease; she was not
aware that the majority of her family members on her father's side had Types 1
or 2 until after our son's diagnosis. That's not to say she wasn't supportive
of me; she just didn't understand the ramifications of the disease. Once our
son was diagnosed, she said she knew she had no choice but to become educated
about the effects of the disease in order to take care of both of us. While I
don't need to test my blood sugar (glucose) as often as our son, I still need
to stay on top of the disease in order to be aware of what COULD happen.
I'm grateful that I was diagnosed as early as I was so
that I could assist our son with his diabetes. Strange as it sounds, it's
brought us closer together. I'm more understanding when he's cranky because I
know that probably means his blood sugar is on the high side. If he "zones
out," I know that he's going low and we can take steps to treat his low.
While this is not a disease for the fainthearted, it CAN
be controlled to a certain extent. Diet and exercise have played an important
part in controlling both my and my son's diabetes. I cannot stress enough the
importance of testing your blood sugar and following the endocrinologist's
orders. There will be a cure one day; until that time, diligence in watching
your diet and testing your blood sugar will play a huge part in combating the
disease.
Russell S, 49
Lake in the Hills, IL
132557