It was 1992. I was 20 years old. I was pregnant. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
The doctor recommended that I be checked for type 2 diabetes. I never did, because I didn't want to have the disease. So, I ignored it. In 1994, I became pregnant again and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a second time. The pregnancy went well and resulted in a 36-week baby girl, Natalie. In 1999, I had Nichole at 37 weeks. I also had gestational diabetes with her. I still never got tested for type 2 diabetes and continued living in denial for many years.
In 2004, I got ill with what I thought was the flu. Nope, I had blood sugar in the 400-500 mg/dL range. I was hospitalized in the ICU. I was then diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Still being somewhat in denial, I didn't do what the doctor said to do. Later that year, I developed a foot infection and ended up having 3 toes amputated in 2005.
In 2006, I lost all the sight in one eye and a considerable amount in the other. All of these things didn't only affect me, but my children, husband, friends and extended family. One day my husband sat me down and with tears rolling down his face, said that if I didn't stop this path of killing myself, he would divorce me. I think that is when I realized this isn't only about me.
In the past year I have embraced change and have taken control of my diabetes. It hit me that I have diabetes, but it doesn't have me. And by change I mean lifestyle, diet, exercise and more. I test my blood sugar and take steps to keep it under control.
I also have started to involve my family and friends as a support team. They were there all along, but I didn't let them in. When they would ask how I was, I always lied (again the denial) and would say “good” or “fine, everything is great!” I was also lying to my doctor. I have since opened up to help when offered. I have learned to say NO to foods that I know are bad for me and have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when I can truthfully say that my blood sugar was in great control today and I did what was best for me.
Sara H., 36
Tacoma, WA
136855