Voices of Diabetes

I have been a Type-1 diabetic for 71 years and have seen many changes in the treatments used. I was diagnosed when I was 13 when all they had was glass syringes that had to be sterilized frequently. Later, when I became a businessman and some travel was part of my life, carrying the insulin and keeping it cool was a real pain in the neck—but I survived.

My wife of 61+ years has been a very important aide in helping me control my diabetes. One thing I am sure of is the importance of staying on your diet, either you do it or you reduce your chances of living a long life. I often have thought that, just perhaps, being a Type-1 is easier to control than a Type-2, simply because you must change your eating habits when you are young—BEFORE you have established long-term eating habits that are then more difficult to break.

We have four grown children and eight grandchildren, and so far there is no sign of diabetes in any of them.

I consider myself a very fortunate man with a great wife and a wonderful family.

Arthur S., 84

Frankfort, MI

140308