Sunday, November 15, 2009

Me and Diabetes: Part Two



It took many months for me to deal with the news of having diabetes.  My emotions were all over the place.  I was angry, confused, depressed, perplexed and frustrated.  I had to change my lifestyle and develope a new routine.  I had to learn by trial and error how different foods affected my blood sugar.  Pricking my finger 7 times a day, writing down everything I ate and taking daily medication became my new normal.  I didn't like it and I fought it every step of the way. 

It has become easier over the years but it has never been easy.  Just when you have it figured out and blood sugars are under control, it changes.  You have to start all over again with the testing, and figuring out which foods are causing the problems, and what dose or which of the newest drugs are going to work best.  It never ends and it's always a struggle.

I wish I could say I do everything right all the time, but I don't.  I go through periods of rebellion and act like I don't  have diabetes.  I'll eat whatever I want to and not test my blood.  But then I eventually get back on track and do it right til the next time I get tired of doing it and rebel again.  I know my doctors get frustrated with me but I get frustrated with this disease!

Almost 3 years ago I started on insulin.  I give myself a shot 4 times a day...once before each meal and one at bed time.  I went through all the same feelings and emotions as I did when I was first diagnosed.  I also felt like I had done something wrong.  Diabetes is a progressive disease and the doctor assured me it wasn't my fault.  As much as I hated giving myself shots, I noticed right away that I felt better and my numbers came down eventually.  It took several months to find the right dose of insulin, and it continues to change.  I'm considering using the insulin pump which would take the place of shots.  There are pros and cons to both, but I will probably switch over.

In tomorrow's post I'll share some myths about diabetes and some do's and don'ts for those who have loved ones or friends with diabetes.

6 comments:

  1. oh my goodness, what a story! I had no idea waht a diabetic went through. Thank you so much for this post of a very personal nature. I learned a lot about this disease. Best of luck to you!

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  2. It's wonderful of you to share your struggles with everyone because I'm sure there are so many people out there who are or may soon go through your same trials. You seem like you've become a much stronger person for it, and I admire your openness and strength!

    http://shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.com

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  3. Annette, thank you for sharing and I look forward to reading tomorrows installment. I have been checking my blood sugar for a few years now, my Mom was a diabetic from 42 and insulin dependent from then on, I am borderline and am maintaining with exercise and diet right now, but I get pissed off and go into total denial too, but I also know I have to be careful.

    Wishing you well, :)

    regards, T.

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  4. You reminded me to mention teachers with diabetes in my coming post!

    I hate having to change lifestyle choices. :(

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  5. Your post is so well writen and informative, well done! May be I should start to be careful what I eat, my Mum has just been told she is borderline diabetic.
    Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments :)

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  6. Hey thanks for the compliments on my blog!
    In return I shall note that you have excellent taste in movies and books. =D

    Caiti

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