Diabetes

Diabetes – Who is Susceptible?

Diabetes touches many families thoughout the world. Personally I do not have the disease but can relate to this condition and have become very aware of its causes as it affects members of my family, some friends and many associates. I have seen the effects Diabetes has had on their lives and the ways they deal with the disease.

It seems Diabetes can be indiscriminate when cast upon some of our younger people, however many of these cases involve trauma of some degree. As we mature, our lifestyle has a significant bearing on how susceptible we become to contracting Diabetes. Although medically it may fall under the same category, there are several different types and everyone reacts differently to the symptoms. Most people live normal healthy lives by learning to manage their symptoms appropriately.

I would like to share with you the stories of some of my family and friends and how they became diabetic and their individual ways of coping with their variation of the disease.
I will start with my parents, firstly my father who was diagnosed as a mild diabetic at the age of 69. He had absorbed poison through his skin a few years earlier which had affected the function of some of his organs and the ability to tolerate some foods. With the help of a naturopath and a rather strict diet he was able to manage his Type 2 Diabetes and lead an active life until he died from heart failure over 10 years later. My mother on the other hand was free of the disease until she stopped exercising and refused to change her eating habits accordingly, leading to her increasing her weight dramatically. She is now an insulin dependent diabetic.

My niece was diagnosed with juvenile Diabetes as a baby and has needed to have her blood glucose levels monitored closely all her life. At the age of 13 with the aid of an insulin pump she is able to control her Diabetes and live a healthy active life similar to other teenagers by watching what she eats and drinks.

Friends of mine were astounded when their 3 year old son was diagnosed with Diabetes after being attacked by a swarm of bees while playing in the yard of their country home. Doctors told them the shock to his system from the numerous stings had caused the onset of his Diabetes. Over 25 years on he has lived a normal life, managed his condition, and become a successful corporate banker and played professional football.
These are only a few of the instances I can recall and while each one has a different starting point most people are able to manage their blood sugar levels and live a relatively normal life.
With help from medical professionals and a little self discipline a normal, healthy lifestyle is possible even if you contract Diabetes.