Voices of Diabetes

I am an insulin-dependent diabetic who has an amputation at the knee on one leg and an artificial knee in the other leg. I have lots of arthritis and back pain so exercise is almost impossible. After many years of half heartedly taking care of myself I have happened upon a new way of eating that has allowed me to almost cut in half the amount of insulin I take and helps me feel much better.

The new way of eating has helped me break the cycle of old bad habits, and now I eat more to control my sugars than to fill by stomach or soothe my emotions. There is nothing fancy or out of the ordinary. It just includes lots of oat bran and strict portion size. I avoid all sugar.

I need to find ways of exercising without making my arms non-functioning due to overuse of crutches in the past and the extreme arthritis. Encouragement is key to success.

Another key to my living a successful life with health problems has been getting a weekly massage. I used to think massage was for the rich and spoiled. I have found it is my best source of pain control.

Kate C., 67

Warsaw, IN

138541