Those of us who have been struck by diabetes, type 1 or
2, would love to get "real" control. But with everything in your body
being affected, it makes it difficult. Sure, you can check your blood sugar
(glucose) 10 times a day, but who can afford the strips? We would all like to
see the light at the end of the tunnel someday--if not for ourselves, at least
for our kids and grandchildren. The light at the end of the tunnel for me has
been hooking up with a diabetes research institute in Miami, FL. The team there
is dedicated to ONE THING: curing this mess of a disease. I have met some of
the folks in the clinical studies that have given me steadfast hope.
In the meantime, here is something you may do: Be an
ADVOCATE!! Speak up about the problems we face to your local legislative
representatives. Push for better care programs.
Something I have done when I speak to politicians is I
tell them, "Diabetics vote, too." One day, we may be the reason you
get your office — or you don't.
Unhappy with your care? Ask your physicians what they
would do if diabetes were cured? I have seen some funny reactions from that
question. Especially from the textbook doctors. I have a diabetes specialist
that is a diabetic himself, so he walks in the same shoes I do every day and
REALLY understands the challenges we face.
If you are not on a pump and still taking injections,
LOOK INTO THE PUMP!! If your insurance carrier will cover it, you owe it to
yourself.
After having diabetes for 30 years, losing my sight twice
(restored from 6 surgeries), and having nerve damage in my feet and legs, I
have found that the fighting never ends. For that, diabetics are some of the
strongest people you will ever meet. And for that reason, I hope that all who
read this will stand up with me and let the world know that managing and
control are not enough — it's something we already do every day. It's time to
raise the bar and GO FOR THE CURE!!
Get in the fight!! EVERY VOICE COUNTS!! There is strength
in numbers, and we number in the millions now.
Jack K, 43
Louisville, KY
133027