A letter from Geri

Geri wrote this to me as a comment on "A letter from John" - but I decided it needs it's own blog:


Dear DW,


I'm glad I found your blog. I used to be a non-compliant diabetic. I have had type 1 Diabetes for 10 years and no matter how high my sugar would go, I would deny that I was doing damage to myself and shortening my life span.I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, did not test my sugar levels, did not go to the doctor regularly. I am sure my sugar was in the 300's on a daily basis.

I take 4 shots of insulin a day and I am overweight. A year and a half ago, my husband of 13 years got angry with me and refused to support my lifestyle any more. He was my enabler, just like a drug addict has an enabler. But he had had it. He did not want to see me leading myself to an early grave. 

Thanks to him, and his 'hard' tactics I went to a good endocrinologist. My A1C was a 9.5 when I started seeing her. My last visit a month ago it was a 6.0. I test my sugar 3 times a day, I watch what I eat, but allow myself a day for carbs so that I don't go crazy. I have lost 45 pounds and I just feel so much better than the fatigued, lethargic mess that I was. 

I found that the healthier diet and no junk food, has brought my own stomach issues , high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, under control. 

Most of us diabetics are in some state of constant denial about our disease. I went to classes on how diabetics affects us, inside and out and it really opened my eyes. I wish you luck in your own struggle with living with a non-compliant diabetic. I hope he gets the help he needs to get his own diabetes under control. Trust me, he is the only one who can take control...when he wants it. 


Geri




Dear Geri,


You are so brave and so wide to be doing what you are doing.  I know from my own hubby that it is not easy to lose weight, eat healthy and do the things you need to do to be compliant....so huge kudos coming your way from all of us!!!  Congratulations on getting your A1c down so far!  That is amazing!!!


It is nice to hear from a diabetic that you think most diabetics are in some state of constant denial about the disease.  I have been saying that for years now.  I don't see how my hubby can eat and live the way he does without being in a near constant state of complete denial.....let alone "some" state.  I'm the one who has had to learn that he has to take control.....I can't.  


You didn't mention - is your hubby still with you?  I do hope so.  And I wish you continued success with your "awakening"!!!


DW