Voices of Diabetes

I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 33 years, and at 55 years old, I feel fairly healthy. I must be honest, and say that I have not been the most compliant patient and have let my A1C sometimes get a little out of range.

When I was first diagnosed, the treatment was insulin made from beef or pig pancreas. A diabetic was to eat very little sugar, and saccharin was the only sweetener, which left a very bad taste in your mouth.

There has been such a great amount of research done with diabetes over the last 30 years that is amazing. My initial educator was very knowledgeable about diabetes; however, he was very cold. Since then, I have had some good and some not-so-good instructors.

Since I was diagnosed, I earned my Nursing degree and now want to start an interactive diabetic education program for newly diagnosed and young children.

Robert D, 55
Ferndale, MI