From the Editor: Lois Williams is a Board Member of the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind. She also leads the way on Diabetes Action Network activities for the NFB of Alabama.
Lois is inspiring and optimistic, as she strives to educate people about diabetes and its ramifications. She knows the importance of having access to good diabetes information, and keeping blood glucose levels under control. Lois Williams knows that diabetics are not alone, and do have options. Here's what she says:
Today, as I celebrate another birthday, I am deeply thankful to my heavenly
Father for my life. I have insulin-dependent diabetes
and many of the complications that can follow it. I suffer from neuropathy (nerve
damage); retinopathy (eye damage); early nephropathy (kidney damage); osteoporosis
(bone loss); periodontal disease; dry itchy skin; anemia and more. In spite
of all these health problems, I am blessed.
A few years ago, I had not heard of any of these "opathies," even though I've had diabetes for over 30 years. For most of that time I thought I had good doctors, and I saw them on a regular schedule.
When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, in the late 1960s, the doctors prescribed insulin for me. Daily injections, and regular visits to a lab for blood tests became a part of my lifestyle. But there was no "diabetes education"—never was I informed that uncontrolled diabetes could cause severe complications, even death. I was only told that it was an "incurable disease."
After adjusting to insulin injections, I didn't feel any different. I didn't see any signs that my poor diabetes control could hurt me. I didn't know. No one told me.
At that time, my five children were in elementary and junior high schools. I was working for the Federal Government in St. Louis, Missouri, and I needed to advance as quickly as possible. Feeding, clothing, and educating children is expensive. I was sure "I needed more energy to work harder and faster," so when everyone else took coffee breaks, I took "energy boosting breaks" of doughnuts, chocolate candy bars and hot cocoa. I kept a container in my desk drawer filled with these "energy boosters."
As a result of eating these things, my insulin dosage slowly increased. It never
occurred to me that these sweets were more dangerous to my health than the coffee
would have been! This was my lifestyle for years.
Eventually I was hospitalized on a frequent basis, and off work for a few weeks each time. I knew this was a result of the diabetes, but I had no more knowledge of the disease at this time than I had at the beginning.
The pressures of a bad marriage, my drive to succeed in my job, my church responsibilities, the children's needs, and taking a second and third job, led to yet another hospitalization. This time my doctors suggested that I retire on disability. The idea was absurd to me. I had too many things to accomplish! The doctors finally convinced me, but I didn't think the request would be approved.
The approval letter came in May of 1978. The check, for a lump sum, came two weeks later. My oldest daughter, Debbie, was graduating from Oakwood College the following month. The money was right on time, since I had not worked in five months. It was a blessing. We were all able to attend her graduation.
Three years later, my marriage ended in divorce. During the next two years, my children Ann, Marylyn and Karyle moved away from home to attend college and/or otherwise begin living on their own. My youngest daughter, Lovely, was the only one still at home. We decided that I needed a change of scenery. It was decided that Huntsville, Alabama, would be the best place for my mother, daughter and I to relocate. We packed up all we could load on a U-Haul truck. Ann's husband George, came up from Huntsville to drive the truck back.
The change was good for me. No more hospital stays. My diabetes was in better control. My new part-time job working with senior citizens was a wonderful experience.
In February 1987, I met the son of a couple who were members of the same church my mother and I now attended. We formed a close friendship. The Williamses' felt that Morgan, their son, and I were right for each other. They began matchmaking—and it worked! In December of 1987, we were married, and I moved to start a new life again. This time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This new life brought on new challenges. Morgan worked day and night. I was lonely in a big city. I loved to cook and eat. Eating the wrong things became normal. I made regular visits to the doctor, and I continued to experience slow increases in my insulin dosage. But still, I never received information about controlling my blood sugar levels. No one told me what I had to do, and I gave diabetes little thought because I didn't feel sick.
In June 1990, my mother had a heart attack. A few weeks later, I moved back to Huntsville to be with her. For a year and three months, Morgan remained in Philadelphia and I returned to Philadelphia only for check-ups and to have my prescriptions refilled.
I made some drastic lifestyle changes in October 1992, after attending a health
seminar by my brother-in-law, Dr. DeWitt Williams. I immediately gave up all
meats, dairy products, and eventually, all sugars. I had increased my water
intake and began a moderate exercise program. By April 1993, I had lost 50 lbs.—and
I felt great. (Editor's Note: A type 2 diabetic who loses significant excess
weight, by whatever means, can experience significant lessening of diabetes
symptoms.) I discovered I didn't need the insulin any more. I continued following
this lifestyle for several years. (Editor's Note: Talk to your doctor about
safe weight-loss programs-not all are diabetically appropriate.)
In 1995, my daughter-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia. I often kept my grandson, Karyle Jr., for months at a time, when Antoinette was too ill to care for him. She went into remission, and I started a new job, in January 1997. By April 1997, she was out of remission—and not expected to live more than a few weeks. I took emergency leave to be with my son and his family.
During my four-month stay in St. Louis, I returned to my old ways of poor nutrition, no exercise and little water. Since I had stopped taking insulin, my blood sugar level increased. I wasn't checking it.
In August of 1997, I returned home, and went back to work. I was feeling tired, but did little about it. I didn't improve my harmful dietary habits.
That September, Antoinette died. The stress and pain of her death was very hard. I continued in my old habits until December, when, after weeks of extreme fatigue and some nervousness, I decided to check my glucose level. The reading shocked me! It was 487 MG/dL. I immediately made an appointment with a new doctor. She prescribed oral diabetes medications; but a couple of visits later there was very little change in the glucose reading. She decided to put me back on insulin. My next visit to her, two weeks later, showed that my glucose level was now down in the normal range.
By this time, there was numbness and tingling in my feet, and pain of every kind in my legs. When I saw the doctor, she said I had neuropathy in my feet and hands. There are medications available for this nerve pain. I didn't want them. I tried alternative therapies, but the real lesson I learned was that positive lifestyle changes can bring wonderful improvements in health—but you have to keep up—no going back to old ways when you return home. I wish I had been told this years before—then much could have been avoided.
In May of 1998, because of my diabetic retinopathy, I had operations on my eyes. In October of 1999, the bleeding in my eyes caused me to lose all my vision. In January of this year, I began to get back some vision in both eyes. I am blessed.
I am spilling protein in my urine, a sign of kidney failure. This too can change. My God can do anything. If He chooses not to change it, I am still blessed. (Editor's Note: Lois is right; diabetics should have their kidneys tested for protein spillage. If it is found, a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors can be of much benefit.)
Because of my blessings, I started a monthly support group in August of 1998, "The Caring Link Diabetics Support Group." Health professionals have taken an interest in our group and have offered to be guest speakers. We will soon be on the American Diabetes Association's website. I have spoken in local churches to make parishioners and the community aware of the seriousness of diabetes. As the Lord provides the opportunities and the strength, I do speaking engagements to enlighten others about this insidious disease.
Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge ..." It is my desire to share knowledge and my own personal experiences with all who desire to improve their health where diabetes is involved. Yes, I am blessed.
Today is my birthday and I have much to celebrate: another year
of a blessed life. I thank my God today for His many blessings!