by Amanda Stumbo
My
name is Amanda Stumbo, and I live in Lawrence County, Kentucky. I am 19 years
old, and I have type 2 diabetes.
I discovered my diabetes on September 20, 2004, while having abdominal surgery. On the operating table, I was bleeding excessively, and my surgeon told me it was because I had high blood sugar!
Before my diagnosis, I would have near-fainting spells, my eyes would get blurry, and I had really severe headaches. I would also shake violently and crave sweets.
My mom and dad told me: “Sis, we believe you have high sugar.” I responded: “Oh, I do not! I’m just addicted to chocolate.”
That went on for a long time before my diagnosis. Even before my surgery, my doctor asked if I had diabetes. I said “no.”
After the surgery when I learned about my diabetes, my doctor put me on a sugar-free diet—and I lost 15 pounds, down from 283 to 268. A few months ago, he put me on Fortamet [metformin], to help reduce my blood sugar. Now I eat a lot less candy.
After reading some articles in Voice of the Diabetic, I realize that my life is worth a lot more than all the sugar in the world. Learning about my diabetes has really motivated me to take better care of myself. I don’t think I’ve done any permanent damage to my body yet—and I don’t want any in the future. I’m so glad I caught my diabetes in time!
Take it from me, there is nothing worse than being diabetic when you’re so young.
If I had only one wish in the world, it would be that young people wouldn’t
have to experience all the things I have. Now, thanks to my doctor, Dr. Edens,
I have caught my diabetes in time to make the right choices in my life. With
the help of my family and my doctor, I will keep my blood sugars under control
and keep my body healthy.