TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

by Leona Timbo

Finding out that yes, you DO have diabetes, can take unusual forms. It was my ophthalmologist who suspected it and sent me for a blood sugar test. Sure enough, I was, but it was April 1, 1986, and i thought it was an April Fool's joke--but it was not.

My doctor put me on the oral medication diabeta. I could not get it through my head to watch what I ate or did. I was very depressed and antisocial, full of "Why did this happen to me?" I was always tired, my eyes were blurry, and I made frequent trips to the bathroom.

But things settled down. About 4 1/2 years later, I had a heart attack. That, and the double bypass surgery that followed, changed my outlook. After my operation, the heart doctor told me my oral meds were not enough, and switched me to insulin. It took that much to make me aware, to start taking care of myself properly.

Because of my diabetes, I have needed laser surgery on my eyes, to stop the bleeding. My kidney tests are a little high. But, can you imagine living 100 years ago, when there was no treatment? I'm glad there has been so much research to help us. I came to my senses: This is my destiny; the doctors' tests and my meters' results are all telling me to keep these numbers DOWN.

All of you out there, try your best! Watch your diet, listen to your doctor, and take care of yourself! If in doubt about what's good for you, and what you should be doing to control your diabetes (it really is up to you), talk to your doctor, your dietitian and your diabetes educator. Read books and articles, and subscribe to diabetes magazines. Learn, and keep positive.

I have found my frame of mind has a lot of effect on my diabetes control and on my general health. Being in a good humor helps too. What I am saying is don't make a bad thing worse by closing your eyes to it. Putting it out of your mind does not help. Take care of yourself; life is good.