Voices of Diabetes

I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in January of 1970...I am doing very well and, at age 60, I have no plans for retirement.

I have been an insulin-dependent diabetic for 33 years, and at 55 years old, I feel fairly healthy.

I read the story about John C. from Miami, Florida. If he is a veteran and was in Korea or Vietnam, he should check with his VA (US Department of Veterans Affairs) representative, as type 2 diabetes is a service-connected disease.

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year and learned that I need to inject myself once a day. I was quite shocked, but what else could I do?

Don't give up. It's your life we are talking about and your body, and you can be in control.

A good support team is a must. Without it, your chance of beating this stuff goes down.

With dialysis treatments 3 times a week, I have to restrict my travel to cruising. I just completed a 7-day cruise to Alaska and received my dialysis during port stops.

I have trusted and relied upon God to help me and deliver me from a lot of the dreaded symptoms that come along with the disease.

Be an ADVOCATE!! Speak up about the problems we face to your local legislative representatives.

Prove to yourself that you can have and want your life back! ... Go to your local library and read about others who have overcome this disease.

Mine isn't a story so much as an answer to one of the ladies who had submitted hers. Lois, I know exactly how you feel.

Find something to chuckle about, and laugh out loud. It is good for you.

I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 12 years old. I'm now 44...I write this note today to all those kids that have just been diagnosed, hoping that they realize diabetes will teach you a lot.

The pump has made it easy to work and not be stuck to a rigid schedule.

The pains, the tingling in my limbs — everything is wrong. Even my memory fails. I could go on and on.

I have experienced "invisibility"...My family doesn't understand, my friends don't get it. I feel as if I am on my own--invisible.

I have found that trying to deal with my diabetes is the hardest thing I have ever done.

I have been there, burned out. The shots, pills, vitamins, exercise...Trying something different often gives us a chance to recharge...

As with other things, I have always known only we can change ourselves. The input from other people does work, but you need to filter out what will work for you.

Courtney and I are still trying to cope with diabetes. It is so hard without support groups. She was 7 years old when she was diagnosed 2 years ago. Courtney was placed on the pump 3 months ago. We are still struggling.

The best advice that I can give is to stay positive and stay focused… Never give up on yourself or your potential. See the good in every day and, most importantly, always have hope.