Voices of Diabetes

At work, there are people with diabetes...We joke about the food in the hallway snack table being the evil thing to avoid.

I don't think people who are not diabetic understand a lot of what we feel and go through.

I've been a diabetic since 1986. I started out trying to control it with diet and exercise, then went to oral medication, then insulin injections and now I'm using an insulin pump.

I had such a hard time accepting the seriousness of my condition. It took years to wrap my brain around the fact that I had a chronic condition that needed to be actively managed by me, and in need of tremendous support from my family, friends and colleagues at work.

I was washing dishes one night and thought to myself, I have a child and a husband and family who love me, what are you doing? I decided from that moment to take charge of diabetes and that it wasn't going to get the best of me for now

I didn't get any nutritional information or diabetes education after my diagnosis so I just continued on my merry way. It was the wrong way.

I used to test twice daily, but I found that I had trouble managing my blood sugars (glucose). I asked my doctor if I should test more often. I was told I could test four times daily. Now I test before and after breakfast and dinner. I now have better control and my blood sugar readings are about normal for me. By the way, Medicare and supplemental insurance will cover my testing supplies.

I look at my children and they give me the will to want to help myself so I am there for them.

I've been an insulin-injecting diabetic for over 47 years and have experienced many positive developments in the treatment and control of my condition.

During my pregnancy, I developed gestational diabetes, but unlike most cases, it did not disappear after the birth of my daughter.

Here is my freedom. I "have" diabetes, but it does not have me. I am NOT diabetic, as that would have the disease encompass my whole being, which it does not. I use a blood test machine and two [insulin] pens to control the disease, rather than the reverse, it controlling me.

I was diagnosed in 2000 with type 2 diabetes. I don't know many people so I have used the internet to gain a lot of information and support. Don't ever feel alone, because even if you don't know many people, support is only a click away. Good Luck!

I've got the support of my husband, family, dear friends and even my whole neighborhood cheering me. I have endured blisters, pulled ligaments, leaky umbrellas, and I have lost 97 lbs, I walk 8 miles a day, my sugar (blood glucose) is staying at normal levels without any medications, and I feel better than I have felt in years.

In my life I have always been hard-headed and never settled for doing things the easy way. The same was true when it came to my diabetes. I found out the hard way. I went into a coma with a blood sugar of 2050.

As a child, the worst thing was when Halloween came and my parents had me stay home to hand out the candy to other kids so as to keep an eye on me, so I would not eat the goodies.

I believe you can say that I have learned to cope with diabetes, since I have been a well-controlled diabetic for over 59 years.

A poet's perspective: Reflections from a Diabetic Soul

I manage my diabetes as I do my transplant anti-rejection medications, keeping careful records.

Seven years ago a friend of mine pushed me to attend an insulin pump meeting at one of our local associations and I dragged my feet and attended. It was the most eye opening experience of my life!

I lived 43 years on insulin. I was given a chance to learn something new February, 2007.

Ok, here it is -- diabetes sucks. Big time. But once you accept the unavoidable truth that you will have this disease for life, no matter how you try to wish it away, you can begin to live your life.

I was diagnosed with diabetes on my 70th birthday. I was in shock and denial for some time.

In 1983 while in the navy reserve and working a high-stress job (plus my father died at age of 53 with Alzheimer's), I came down with diabetes.

On January 30, 1974, I was diagnosed as a diabetic. I had never been sick in my life other than the usual cold and my parents never took us kids to the doctor. Finally, when my mom figured out that I had been sick longer than the general flu, she took me to the doctor. Since I was only 12 years old at the time, I had a lot to learn.

Hello, I am a type 1 diabetic, older male, who is now 10 months into treatment. I have this situation complicated by heart-related issues.

I was diagnosed 2 years ago and since my diagnosis, getting through every day can be a challenge.

I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 3 in 1949. I was fortunate to have been raised by parents and grandparents who were very aware and accepting of the challenges of a serious disease, and who were willing to make the necessary adjustments to provide the care I needed.