Defeating Diabetes
My life with diabetes is learning to make healthier choices when it comes to eating right, exercise and daily monitoring of my sugar levels, as well as being monitored by co-workers and family, who love to remind me when they catch me with candy or some other form of sugar.
I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes 7 years ago. This should not have been a surprise to me, as so many in my family have had and continue to fight this disease.
When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I thought it would go away with weight loss. Then came the reality check -- this was something that could not be cured, I was upset. I need to stay honest with myself, knowing diabetes can be tough, but it doesn't control me and I will beat it. By learning more about my disease, I realized that with proper management, I might be able to decrease my chances of getting complications from diabetes and live a fuller and healthier life. It's hard work but I can't give up because I don't want to miss out on life.
My friends and family are very supportive. My family makes sure that I keep up with my treatment plan, and my friends have learned to watch and buy food that is sugar free and healthy for me! I know I have to be healthy for my family so that I can stay actively involved in their lives.
There is so much to life, and I want to enjoy every experience that I can. I want to visit all the places I have dreamed of going, rather than just watching them on TV or hearing about them in details of other people's vacations. I owe that to my family, and myself.
Living with diabetes is an everyday job. The day can be overwhelming and stressful, but I need to remember to keep doing what my doctors tell me to do so I can stay as healthy as possible.
In October of this year, I started the BeWell @TML IEBP program. I have since stopped smoking, for over a month now. I am able to monitor my daily and weekly activities, wellness care, hours of sleep, water intake and exercise on a spreadsheet so that I can track my progress to a healthier lifestyle. So far I have succeeded with a little weight loss, my sugar level and cholesterol have gone down, which makes me and my doctor very happy.
I hope that everyone who has the opportunity to improve their health can follow my footsteps by utilizing this simple program. This is not a diet but a lifestyle change to a better healthier life.
Submitted by an Employee of TML Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool.