November is Diabetes Awareness Month

I never thought that just because my mother, my grandmother, and two aunts were diabetic I would one day be diabetic.   I never thought that one day I would be checking my blood sugar 2 to 3 times a day.  I never thought I would never be able to eat a loaded baked potato again or walk outside barefooted.  I never thought I would have to make sure my blood sugar was on point before I laid down to sleep at night.  I never thought I wouldn’t be able to lay outside and enjoy the sun.  I never thought I would have to always have a special snack on hand and a bag packed with diabetes supplies.  I never thought that I would need a medic Id bracelet to speak for me when I wasn’t able to speak for myself.  I never thought that it would take longer for me to heal from something as simple as a paper cut.  I never thought that it would be very important for me to get annual flu shot and lets not forget about the pneumococcal vaccine.  I never thought that stroke, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease or loss of limbs would be a real possibility for me, I never thought that diabetes would impact every aspect of my life:  spiritual, emotional, physical, social, vocational, financial and intellectual.

 But now that I’m here…I have made the commitment to constantly care for my body every day.  I am committed to learning about how diabetes affects my body each day because I know that this is a disease that has no cure.  I also know that I can control it by being diligent. I must always be ready to respond to changes.  I will be diligent by taking my medication on time, living a healthy life style.  Making sure I take time to exercise and eat properly.  Keeping a positive mindset is also key because having diabetes is a constant challenge to make the right choices for my health and well-being.  Along with support from our family, friends and medical team the diabetic must always have self-discipline and good habits.  Remember – consistency and balance.