Voices of Diabetes

Discovering best defense against diabetes

One Voice — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:00:34 GMT

Exercise is the best defense for diabetes. There was a time when I was able to exercise for 30 minutes a day for about a month. I was able to cut my triglycerides and cholesterol in 3-4 months without medication.

At this time I was in between jobs and I could not afford to go to the doctor as much so I had to help myself. The results were amazing and surprising to me. I was able to have a little bit more freedom with my diet. Now I work at a job I almost live at. Since I don’t have the time to exercise so much I use the benefits of my job to help me. I have to sweep and mop every day and night that I work. When I go home at the end of my shift, my blood glucose (sugar) levels are wonderful.

These shifts are 10 hours and some days and some nights. This can seem impossible when it is suggested for diabetics on insulin to eat the same amount at the same time every day. So for me, prayer, exercise and diet are the only ways to cope with this disease.

Kathia D, 44
Columbus Junction, IA

134961

My strategy for staying on top of diabetes

One Voice — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:57:09 GMT

The more I understand this disease the more I can act accordingly. At times I feel like I just want this to go away, but I know it won't and I can't just give up.

Don’t let diabetes get in the way of your goals

One Voice — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:34:29 GMT

Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and set about to rebuild my life. I thought that I would simply incorporate diabetes into my existing life. Little did I know!

My Diabetes Support Team: The Little One Who Played a Big Role

One Voice — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:25:04 GMT

She was so scared and thought at first she did something wrong. She told me she tried to bring me a snack...

Diabetes and Exercise: Soccer Player Gets a Sporting Chance

One Voice — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:22:29 GMT

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old and was forced to quit playing soccer due to its negative effects on my blood sugar.

Coping With Diabetes: Affording Health Insurance and Co-pays

One Voice — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:19:13 GMT

My co-pays on my medications are so expensive that I can't afford to have them filled. And, I make too much money to get them for free.

Diabetes and Exercise: Fitting in Fitness Activities

One Voice — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:30:32 GMT

You can probably recite the long list of exercise benefits, but as you analyze your busy schedule, you wonder where-oh-where you can fit in the recommended 30 minutes (on most days) of activity.

Diabetes and Exercise: Believe in the Benefits

One Voice — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:28:03 GMT

Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 years ago, I have been managing my diabetes with eating right and exercise.

Find Your Healthy Ways to Cope With Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:24:39 GMT

If you’re on a search for healthy coping tips, first explore your options.

Diabetes and the "Book" of My Life: How I Avoid Burnout

One Voice — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:20:34 GMT

I have had so many things in my life that I could write 3 best sellers!...But, I refuse to dwell on the adversities.

Prepare to Make the Most of Your Diabetes Appointments

One Voice — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:12:25 GMT

Time is of the essence. To get the most out of your visits, use these checklists to prepare ahead and be ready for your provider at your appointments.

How I Have Dealt With High Blood Sugar

One Voice — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:08:19 GMT

High blood sugar in the mornings had been tough for me to deal with in the past...I now feel a whole lot better, and my blood sugar in the mornings and before bed is almost normal.

Exercise and the Challenge to "De-Feet" Diabetes Foot Pain

One Voice — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:04:49 GMT

Even though I have days when I don't get out and move, I also have some days when I really surprise myself and push myself to walk...

Include Diabetes Educators in Your Support Network

One Voice — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:02:05 GMT

Diabetes educators…can be a sounding board, coach, or cheerleader; or offer you a shoulder to cry on or hearty pats on the back when you accomplish a goal.

Diagnosed With Diabetes: Like Mother, Like Daughter

One Voice — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:58:06 GMT

Taking a positive outlook on diabetes and telling myself that I will beat it and not let it beat me helped me a lot.

How Changing Physicians Changed My Life With Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:55:49 GMT

What it took for me to take control of my diabetes was a simple thing...My HMO changed my physician...He sat me down and told me he wasn't going to allow me to continue to accept having diabetes.

Beating Diabetes Burnout

One Voice — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:49:18 GMT

Don’t wait for diabetes burnout to happen! Instead, try to beat diabetes burnout with a few preventive actions.

A Diabetic's New Year Wish to All Those Coping With Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:39:31 GMT

I see that so many people just feel like giving up...I hope that all of you diabetics out there--young or old, type 1 or type 2--can find hope in this New Year.

Diabetes Exercise: Good for the Body, Good for the Soul

One Voice — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:27:31 GMT

I have a few aches and pains, but when I feel bad, I get up and move. It lifts your spirits immediately and also helps keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Coping With the Unsavory Side of Managing Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:24:51 GMT

When I found out that I had diabetes, I was scared--but I got over it. Now I'm trying to cope with staying on course.

Diabetic in Denial: Coping With a Sweet Tooth and a Sour Attitude

One Voice — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:16:32 GMT

I guess I can say that I am refusing to realize what could happen to my body by eating what I am not supposed to eat...I just cannot stop the donuts, candy, cake, pudding, etc.

Remembering My Initial Diagnosis With Type 1 Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:13:12 GMT

There was a gentleman in the hospital at the same time that I was...He was almost 50 years older than I was, but we both shared the same anxiety about what the future would hold for us.

Passionate About Providing Diabetes Support

One Voice — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:49:20 GMT

My diabetes is finally under control, and I love to share my story with anyone at anytime.

Hopeful and Healthful With Type 2 Diabetes

One Voice — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:46:53 GMT

I have made myself spend at least 30 minutes a day walking or using an exercise machine. I was told if I stick to this, I could go another 10 to 15 years without insulin.

Trouble Coping With Healthy Food Choices for Diabetes Management

One Voice — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:44:30 GMT

I have had diabetes for over 30 years and am, fortunately, very healthy. However, I go through periods of time when I just don't eat the way I should.

Coping With Diabetes With Difficulty, But Also Dignity

One Voice — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:41:56 GMT

It was devastating to me to find out that I had diabetes. There was something on the inside that would not let me claim this disease...

Diabetes at Work: Tight Control on a Tight Schedule

One Voice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:19:59 GMT

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.

Gaining Support for Diabetes: From Giving Care to Taking Care

One Voice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:14:28 GMT

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

A Positive Perspective on Life With Diabetes

One Voice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:10:27 GMT

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

Wondering About Diabetes Nutrition and Blood Glucose Numbers

One Voice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:08:48 GMT

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.

Too Busy to Manage Diabetes Properly

One Voice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:06:48 GMT

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?

Searching for Diabetes Support

One Voice — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:32:46 GMT

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!

Managing Diabetes for 45 Years and Still Going Strong

One Voice — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:28:47 GMT

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!

Managing Diabetes With a Healthy Diet and Insulin

One Voice — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:26:52 GMT

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

Making the Right Choices for Diabetes Care

One Voice — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:25:12 GMT

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

Living a Fulfilling Life With Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:23:02 GMT

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.

Making the Most Out of Life With Diabetes Support

One Voice — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:48:04 GMT

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.

Eating Healthy for Diabetic Weight Management

One Voice — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:43:32 GMT

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.

Adjusting to Lifestyle Changes With Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:42:04 GMT

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

Taking Action Against Diabetes

One Voice — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:40:28 GMT

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!

The Care-Team Endocrinologist Who Ended My Diabetes Woes

One Voice — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:38:48 GMT

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.