My Story
Once upon a time
I have had diabetes for 30 years and have had trouble in trying to change my lifestyle. I would like to say I was successful but unfortunately, this was not the case. My change of behaviour was not in time to stop complications setting in. This is because 30 years ago I was not fortunate enough to have this information and the education available to diabetes patients today. I have now managed to change to a satisfactory level, which is minimising further progress of more complications from this blood disease.
Oh how I regret not having the knowledge and willpower to have changed my behaviour earlier in the diabetic cycle. It is from this experience I hope to help you and guide you through the pitfalls you may encounter, as well as learning from my mistakes. First let's explore how it led to the complications I have today.
My first mistake:- You can't flirt with Diabetes
The only medical advice that I received was that I had mild diabetes and needed to reduce weight and take more exercise. No one alerted me at that time how serious diabetes could be.
It was very easy for me from the start to pretend I was not diabetic as I did not feel it was a problem. I soon started to flirt with diabetes, taking those second helpings of meals and puddings. I now know that diabetes is a silent non visual blood disease which gave me the illusion of well being, but at the same time putting me on the fast track to diabetic conditions. Soon I forgot to monitor my sugar level and soon lost any attempt to control my diabetes.
My second mistake:- Not taking responsibility for my diabetes
It was many years later due to a works medical that I found I had serious irreversible eye and feet complications. I was immediately put on medicine. This is where I made my second mistake. I did not take responsibility for my diabetes as I assumed the doctor would. Although he told me to diet and exercise I did not appreciate how they could have dramatically improved my blood sugar levels and improved my chance of having less complications. If you don't want complications, don't make my mistakes.
I changed my lifestyle - if I can do it, so can you
It was 10 years later when the pills were ineffective and I was at the insulin stage that I took charge of my diabetes. By choosing to break the habits of a lifetime by adopting a healthy way of eating and exercise, I have at last taken responsibility and reduced my risk of future complications. If I can change, you can change but don't take as long as I did. I hope my web site will show you how to change your habits to achieve a better quality of life.
There is no such thing as mild Diabetes
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