By: Sara Loft

I wasn’t always diabetic but I am now. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas (a body organ for the digestive system and the endocrine system) does not produce any insulin (a hormone that regulates the sugars in your blood). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes – it is when the body doesn’t regulate the sugars as a fuel whereas you may be insulin resistant or your body doesn’t produce that much insulin as needed.

Since March of last year, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes but I have been managing it well. I was feeling exhausted often. I have excessive thirst (but I have no shame in it because I mostly drink spring water). I occasionally have numb joint pain. And, I could go on. I was completely overwhelmed in the first 10 days after being diagnosed. I didn’t take my prescribed medicine or do my blood sugar readings. I changed my mindset because I didn’t want this disease to lead to worse situations. I value life but I mostly wanted to be healthier for my family and closest friends.

People assume diabetics are individuals who just crave sugar often. It may be true but that’s not the only case! On November 14th, World Diabetes Day exists. Why should a disease be recognized? Well, diabetes can lead to several chronic and acute complications affecting your entire body. Diabetes could be hereditary. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease so too much stress can elevate your glucose levels and affect other mental health areas. Poor eating habits and being overweight could be a developing factor for having diabetes. Staying active is crucial because diabetes could lead to possible lower limb amputations. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increase the complications, too.

Without my realization, I was in the pre-diabetic stage before the new shocking blood test results appeared. I am admittedly overweight. I occasionally snacked on the wrong food. Luckily, I was seeking a registered dietitian around the same time frame with my new health discovery. I am currently on a prescription drug that regulates my glucose levels. I was originally on two prescription drugs but I have made personal changes to manage this lifelong disease. I’m more conscientious in my eating habits including switching to sugar-free beverages. I try to maintain an active lifestyle and walk at least a half hour or more regularly. I still don’t need to do insulin injections. However, every day, I have to test my glucose levels. My primary physician ordered fasting blood work to check my metabolism and A1C levels (an average of blood sugar levels over the last three months).

If you are pregnant, yes – you could be gestational diabetic because your placental hormones are raging and increasing your blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can put you and your baby at risk. Whether you are pregnant or not, your appointments are a must-visit.

Medical professionals advise diabetics to plan ahead if they are traveling. Diabetics should be able to have access to emergency help because it is a life-threatening disease. With other considerations, diabetics need to plan ahead for sick days and prepare for it because it takes us longer to heal internally. Ask your physician and/or specialists who can help and provide proper care.

Unfortunately, diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. There is no set cure, yet. Medical costs are twice as high for those who struggle with the disease. I refuse to let this disease control my mind and body. Put your well-being as a priority because you never know – you might be able to manage this disease successfully.