A Real-life Perspective of Diabetes
One of my close friends, who was in her late 20s, got Diabetes type 2. The day she got the report was life-shattering for her as she saw her mom all her life suffering from the same. She was so scared of not knowing what to do next and what awaits her. She did not want to go to the doctor. She has always seen people with diabetes as very strong and independent. She thought that she could not live with that. Times do not remain the same for anyone. Humans are born with survival instincts and least did she realise that this is something manageable and she can still be happy.
Looking for Support Outside
The main cause of her fear is a doctor who said that her blood might turn into poison if she does not take care of this and about insulin even before she got the test report on the levels and type. Whatever he said might or might not be true. But a doctor should not be too harsh to a patient who just got to know about it, be it any illness. He could have taken it slow. She never again went to him for a consultation.
However, her mother, her pillar of strength, gave her a call when she was sitting in a juice shop alone and crying. Her mother said, “I did not know back then that I could reverse it with a few lifestyle changes and ended up with taking insulin shots. But I am there for you. I will reverse it and make you healthy again so that you can live your life as you like.” Those words made her feel better and she is a big foodie. Controlling food portions and intake was a big no for her but however she wanted to give it a try. Because she badly wanted to get back to her normal life.
She googled for the best diabetologist in the city but all she could see were just advertisements and results of marketing. Then, she called me and finally decided to vent it out. I spoke to her words of confidence and gave her the address of the doctor who was a diabetologist and endocrinologist. This is based on true events. The reason I am writing this is I might not know the struggles of people in every age group suffering from diabetes type 2 but I can try to convey how the late 20s feel about it and help them to tackle it through a real-life example. My friend decided to help me write this because she shared the same goal as me.
Source: Servier.com
Reasons Why She Got Diabetes
- She was stressed all the time thinking of her future, career and love. Overthinking prevented her from having a good sleep at night.
- She started midnight snacking on unhealthy food.
- Hardly got into the sunlight. She was not working and so she had no reason to wake up early or go out to work. But she forgot that she still had her health to take care of, eventually, she became Vitamin D deficient.
- She had financial issues and family problems. (A few things cannot be solved but you can seek the help of a therapist to learn to find the strength.)
- She had a sweet tooth and ate rice (carbohydrates) as it is an important part of a meal in Indian households. Eating rice is not unhealthy but not knowing about portion control is. Her stress made her overeat.
- And binge-eating whenever she got a chance to.
How Can One Take Care of Oneself When they have become Type 2 Diabetic?
Let me share with you about a real-life couple. They are middle-aged and the husband is diabetic. The wife did not let him take any medicine but of course, he initially took it when he found that he was diabetic. Later on, they did some research and learned that it is a lifestyle disease and decided to make some changes in his lifestyle. The wife helped him to have portion control and they had healthy meals together. They wake up early, exercise for an hour and go to bed early. To begin with, they never had the habit of watching movies late at night. But for a month in a year, they would have fun with their family, hang out and eat outside. It is all about balance.
It is not a lie when our ancestors and wise people say food is medicine. Before going to bed, they boil the cumin seeds and drink the water from it. In the morning, they drink pumpkin juice, thrice a week. This is not a formula but I am just trying to say that eating healthy and staying fit can help you feel better and maintain your blood glucose levels.
Lessons Learned
- Exercise every day for an hour. (or) Walk 2 kilometres in the morning and two in the evening.
- Eat more vegetables and reduce the carbs you intake. Try to cook vegetables in a way that suits your palate so that you feel complete.
- Sleep well (7-8 hours) without overthinking and stressing yourself too much. It is hard when you are going through something difficult. But you need health and strength to overcome those and dream of a happy future.
- Some emotions make us happy; some deceive us. But do not let your emotions overwhelm you and control you all the time. Try to keep your mind at peace by detaching yourself from the problem. A calm mind helps to see things more clearly and find better solutions. YOU should be more important to YOU.
Result of their Lifestyle Changes
My friend and the husband in the couple, after following the lifestyle changes, got their blood glucose levels under control and they check their HbA1c every three months. Their determination and desire for a healthy life made them happy as well. They do not have any regrets today. It might be difficult for young people to stop taking junk food but once you experience the perks of healthy food, there is no going back. Try different healthy and delicious recipes with greens and vegetables.
Conclusion
These are the lessons I learnt from people around me and I thought this should reach everyone. Always have a reliable diabetologist to consult with; he/she should believe in reversal. Make the right lifestyle changes and see the difference for yourself. These suggestions are only for type 2 diabetic people in their 20s; not for everyone. Always follow what makes you feel better physically and mentally.
Comment your thoughts and experiences below.