Voices of Diabetes

I have been working...10-hour shifts. This rough situation has forced me to monitor my blood sugar, take care of my heart, and eat better.

Diabetes has not stopped me from doing anything that I have wanted to do, and I won't let it.

If you have to have a serious disease, diabetes is the one to have, because we can control it...

I just turned 51 years old, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I had diabetes...I knew there was something wrong--but, I never thought that I'd have to stick myself twice a day and take pills.

I work rotating shifts at the local jail in my town. It is hard at times to even eat regularly. I'm lucky to get to eat. I get off work and am so exhausted I barely make it home. How do I exercise, work, and keep a positive outlook?

I agree with getting support, because I do not have any either...I would love support from another diabetic. I feel like I need some!

It has been an absolutely awesome surprise that I ended up having 4 children, have not gone blind, and have not lost my limbs...but here I am at 54 years old, still going strong!

Together with healthy foods and portion control, I can manage my blood sugar very well.

We all have a choice to make: clean up our act or allow our carelessness to take its toll.

I've dealt with diabetes for over 53 years. I'm here to tell you that you can have a rich and fulfilling life even if you are diabetic.

Diabetes is a tough lifestyle. We must all remember that this is our life, and it is the only one we are going to get. Make the best of it.

Insulin resistance from being overweight pretty much makes it impossible to lose weight--even when I am sick and hardly eating anything. It's a vicious cycle.

The hardest thing about having diabetes is not wanting to deal with the changes you need to make.

After my third battle in the hospital and wanting to have children, I went to a nutritionist and diabetes educator, started receiving magazines on diabetes, and decided to get my act together!

Although I know I've still got a long way to go, I know that I would never have gotten there had I not found this doctor who took the time to care, empathize, and educate me on how much better my life can be.

Family support is most important in your fight with diabetes, because family members are the closest ones to you.

I have stayed involved with support groups and other people with diabetes. They really help me to stay motivated and avoid burnout.

I am 79 years old and have had type 1 diabetes since I was 14 years old.

Since 1977, I have been a diabetic. Over the years, I feel I have done better than most with diabetes. I have worked for over 20 years. My body is in good shape from working and keeping myself in shape. Working has kept me in good shape. Treat your body with respect and you will get that respect back from your body.

I was diagnosed with diabetes 4 months ago. So far, I've been controlled by healthy eating, exercise, and blood glucose (sugar) monitoring. It's hard at times, because I have other conditions, such as yeast infections and kidney problems. I really don't want to take medication or get injections.