A SECOND CHANCE

As some of you may know, I have been diagnosed as diabetic about two years ago today. Since then, life has not been easy. Well, the truth is, in the beginning, I was so worried and upset. When I was just diagnosed with this disease, I took all the precautions that were necessary to take care of myself. I was religiously following a diet; I was constantly in communication with my primary doctor and diabetes specialist; I was exercising regularly; I was taking my medications religiously. The bottom line is, I was taking care of myself, and doing the things that were necessary to take care of this disease. Believe it or not, by taking care of myself, I was able to regulate my blood sugar. My A1C has gone down dramatically to normal level. I was very happy with myself.

But, for whatever reason, things changed. For about two years, I became complacent. I was not taking care of myself. I was eating all kinds of food that I was not supposed to eat. I was not taking my medications regularly. I didn’t go for any physical exercise. I stopped literally going to my doctors. I didn’t go for any blood works for a long time. I simply stopped checking my blood sugar. I was simply living a lifestyle as if I was never been sick.

About two weeks ago today, I started feeling some tinge of discomfort and pain in my lower abdomen. This went on for some days. I felt a little weak and dizzy at times too. I also felt some burning sensations on my feet. At times, I would occasionally have some cramps on my leg. These were exactly some of the symptoms I had before I was diagnosed with this dreaded disease two years ago. So I knew exactly that this has something to do with my diabetes. I suspected immediately that my sugar level must be very high. When I checked my blood sugar, it was 580. This was too high from the normal level of 100-160. That day, I made an appointment immediately with my primary doctor. When I saw him, I told him that I have not been very conscientious in taking care of myself and my sickness. So he prescribed me some medications that I needed to take immediately. And he asked me to go for blood test as soon as possible. After two days, I went for my blood works. The next day, I got the result of my blood works. My A1C was very high. I think it was 11.4. The normal A1C average is 6.5 and below. My cholesterol was very high too. With these results, I know I can have complications in my kidney, heart, eyes, etc. So this started me to reflect and think of what I have to do and need to do from here on. If I want to live longer, I need to change my lifestyle now. I need to follow my regimen: take my medications regularly, consult my doctor as often as possible, have a regular check-up, exercise, diet, and do the things necessary to take care of myself. For a week now, I have been taking my oral medications regularly. I also started dieting again. This afternoon, I started doing physical exercise. I am determined to go for a walk at least 3 times a week (for at least 30 minutes). The most difficult part is dieting. I know it would not be easy, but I have to do it. I tried cutting down on carbohydrates like rice and pasta, and eating more vegetables. I will try to avoid eating any fatty foods.

It’s like I am beginning anew in my journey. I feel a little sad but I am determined to make the necessary changes in my life. Well, life is after all making choices. This time I am determined to make the right choice.