American Diabetes Association: A Family Affair

A Family Affair
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
By: Susan Frey

A Family Affair

Most people would look at our family history and cringe. Sometimes we do too. After all, diabetes has hit us pretty hard. Our grandparents had diabetes. Our father died from complications of the disease. My youngest sister was the first to be diagnosed, followed by my brother, myself, my oldest sister and then my younger sister. Our brother has had the most devastating effects, beginning with retinopathy, nerve damage, amputations (including one eye), diaylsis, open heart surgery....you name it, he's had it. But with all of that, I can't help but feel that it's still a life worth living. You can't let this disease beat you! You can't give up! You can't give in to the inevitable bouts of depression....you can't stop looking for the good moments in life.

Diabetes is so insiduous because it's so sneaky. You go for years feeling okay, you take your meds, you watch what you eat, you live a normal life...then wham! It can sneak up and slap you hard. That's why it's so important to treat it like an enemy....because it is. Listen to your doctor, monitor yourself, listen to your body, take control of your disease; don't let it control you.

There are alot of people out there who think diabetes is 'just a little sugar' and that all we need to do is 'eat less candy'. We know that there's a whole lot more to it than that. Diabetes affects every aspect of our lives and it's a constant battle to keep it in check. Just remember that all of the monitoring, all of the doubts and sacrifices are worth it. I'm worth it, my family is worth it....we are all worth it!