Controlling Diabetes in Three Weeks: A Real Life Inspiration

An article about controlling diabetes could be an everyday story for many of us, but for me it isn't. For me, it's not even a story; it's an example of loving life and the desire to live....yet again!

My protagonist (hereafter referred to as JM) welcomed her sixtieth candle like her sixteenth; she beckoned the life ahead gracefully. Always there for everyone with a smile, a positive lesson or two; JM lived in her sanctuary pleased at what she had attained. There were no protests, no gripe, and no pity-party. I often questioned her inner strength. For me tough was the realization that someone so effervescent had just a couple of good hours to her credit day after day. Polio and fibromyalgia captured JM's later hours. The pain unbelievable; the will power immense! Accepting her world, she lived those few hours to the fullest, until the doctor spun a new tale. "You have Type 2 diabetes."

The world came to a standstill on a staggering number of 297. What were the Universe plans for JM? She woke dizzy, nauseous and sick and saw those few timeless hours of her existence slipping into oblivion.

What were her choices?

She could give up or make life changes. I'm glad she chose the latter.

Controlling diabetes became her mantra. "I need to get better."

With her eye on the goal, she worked endlessly the first three weeks of being diagnosed, until her blood sugar hit normal grounds.

Controlling diabetes through acceptance
Difficult was to acknowledge the first hand information on diabetes. One has to remember she isn't a healthy person I'm talking about. Accepting the balls that life juggled at her, JM moved ahead on a positive note! A connoisseur of herbs and self treatment; the first step she took to manage diabetes was to see a doctor immediately.

Controlling diabetes through life changes
Acceptance is futile till we don't act on them. The needles poked the old, wrinkled fingers four times a day. While her husband helped with a couple, she was determined to nail it on her own. "It's my battle," she said. And like with anything else, JM triumphed over her needles. Unable to retain the information on her blood sugar levels, JM started carrying a notebook where she diligently noted the numbers every day.

Controlling Diabetes through diet
JM is a believer of healthy foods. Her diet prior to being diagnosed of diabetes consisted of brown rice, vegetables, salmon, fruits; the only indulgence I noticed was a slice of pizza and a chic flick movie during her husband's annual visit to his hometown. Well, even the healthy lifestyle was inadequate for controlling diabetes. "Every food has sugar," she complained. Her trips to Wal-Mart became extended. To control diabetes she desperately needed to read labels, study diabetic products and find more information on diabetic nutrition. The soy yogurts made it to the refrigerator shelves, veggies were cut and packed in Ziplocs; the coconut oil took place of olive oil, so on and so forth.

For so many of us, diabetes or not, making food changes is a big deal. I've seen people giving up, or not caring, whining, but JM continued on her path without being intimidated.

Once I asked, over the spoonful of soy yogurt and asparagus, "Does it taste good?" "Nope!" she shook her head with a smile as she took the next one.

Seeking help from the dietician, she tries controlling diabetes by balancing her food groups every day. Some days she fails and feels awful. But then tomorrow is another day!

Controlling Diabetes with Exercise
How could one ask a person with polio and fibromyalgia to run a mile? Even the lightest of exercise was like shaking the mountain. Never denying the importance of exercise for controlling diabetes, JM started walking slowly and steadily in her front yard. Her husband kept benches in between where she could sit, relax, grasp a breath or two.

Within three weeks her efforts showed results. Her doctors acclaimed her as "The Best Diabetic Patient" they had ever come across.

This story can be an inspiration for so many of us. Not just controlling diabetes, but in any day to day situations. To be positive, have the mental endurance and the willingness to adapt to anything life throws at us with determination and sheer will power.

Today, she continues to combat with diabetes. Some days are better, some aren't. Some days she wakes up fine, and on others the blurry vision disturbs her for hours.

What remain unaffected are her determination, will power and indomitable spirit.

If she can do it, can't you?

Source:
Personal Experience