All too often, chronic diseases are largely ignored until a celebrity calls attention to them. On June 25,2004 prolific writer Anne Rice talked with ABC news about her near death experience with Diabetes. She had been experiencing a few of the symptoms but largely ignored them. It wasn’t until she was in a coma and minutes from death that her diabetes was discovered. She is now speaking out to alert others.

Fortunately for the majority it doesn’t take a near death experience to discover the problem.

1. Typical signs of diabetes include:
2. Frequent urination
3. Excessive thirst as well as excessive hunger.
4. Possible blurred vision
5. Sores that are slow to heal

If any of these signs have occurred, a simple blood test can confirm or deny your suspicions. The sooner you obtain treatment the better your chances are to avoid more severe consequences.

Living with a chronic disease such as diabetes is not for the faint of heart. The ultimate responsibility falls directly on the patient. Diabetes is largely controlled through diet, exercise and self-medication.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type I Diabetes once called Juvenile Diabetes often occurs during childhood. In reality Type I diabetes can occur in an individual at any age. This was the case with Anne Rice. She controls her disease by checking her blood sugar four times a day and administers her own insulin.

Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin as the disease wipes out the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes normally comes on gradually in adulthood. The disease is most often associated with obesity or excess weight although there are ongoing studies to determine if there are genetic links as well.

Terry D. discovered his diabetes at an annual physical over fifteen years ago. “I was complaining I was tired and urinating frequently. The doctor then ordered some blood work and discovered I had Type 2 Diabetes. It also runs in the family, both my father and my uncle had diabetes. They were in there twenties when they were first diagnosed.”

Initially Terry took oral medication and tried to watch his diet. “Eventually the body gets used to the oral medication and it’s just a matter of time before you have to go on insulin.”

Terry is retired today but when he was first diagnosed he was an appliance salesman. “I found that I couldn’t do as much as before as I got tired easily.” Since retirement his blood sugar has gone down. Terry attributes this largely to decreased stress.

While diet and exercise are the two main components in controlling diabetes a positive attitude goes a long way in living healthier. “My father went blind, lost a kidney and had a leg amputated. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I put up with it. It doesn’t affect my lifestyle. You must have a good attitude because you have to do what you have to do.” Lenny watched his father’s illness progress as he refused to follow his diet, “I didn’t want it to happen to me. I didn’t want to suffer.” He advises you stay away from anything white i.e. pasta, pizza, sugar. “If you must have pasta have it as a side dish.”

Lenny has his blood checked every two months and sees his doctor every three months. He is satisfied that he has achieved the right balance in his life to keep his diabetes in tow.

Problems associated with living with Diabetes:

• Lack of family support
• Frustration associated with the results of treatment
• Anger and Resentment- Why Me?
• Shortage of affordable exercise facilities
• Excessive medical costs

Ways of coping

• The family should offer support and encouragement.
• Avoid having tempting foods in the house.
• Accept feelings of resentment and anger-that is the only way you can come to terms with the problem.
• Seek professional help if needed to deal with your feelings

With proper treatment and a positive attitude Diabetes can be controlled. Avoiding the wrong kinds of foods and following the Doctors orders will control Diabetes to a large extent. Positive thinking will do miracles. Diabetes shouldn’t prevent you from achieving your goals. Mary Tyler Moore and Anne Rice are but two examples of positive thinkers who have successfully come to terms with Type 1 diabetes and forged ahead. You can too.

Good News

A new inhaled form of insulin is being tested for the market. It provides good long-term control of blood-sugar levels and patients seem to prefer it.

Finger stick blood tests provide minute-by-minute reading of blood sugar level.

If you prefer, a pump is available that provides a steady supply of insulin. It is used in place of periodic injections.

Web Sites:

1. American Diabetes Association Home Page - www.diabetes.org
2. Diabetes - diabetes.diabetesjournals.org
3. National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - www.niddk.nih.gov
4. National Diabetes Information
   Clearinghouse - www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/diabetes.htm
5. Medline Plus - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ diabeticdiet.html#research

 By Joan Schauder