Yep, it’s all fun & games (or flan & gorditas) til someone gets diabetes. It’s me. I’m someone!
A little over a week ago, I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2. I was shocked, kinda.
You see, diabetes runs on my Mom’s side of the family. My Latino side. My Grandpa Rudy had it, my Tia Emma had it, my Tia Kiki has it, my Mom even had it before she passed away. My Mom developed hers towards the end of her life.
Heck, my fasting blood sugar was slightly elevated all the way back in 2010. I was technically pre-diabetic back then; but my doc didn’t really say anything to me about it. I also had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy with my oldest. That can be an indicator of future diabetes issues.
Did You Know
Latinos and African Americans are diagnosed with diabetes at a greater rate than Whites. Did you know that?
I’ve had to take a serious look at my lifestyle, and make some major changes. First, I’m watching what I eat. No more junk food, soda, or processed stuff. Fast food is not my friend right now. I’m drinking lots more water. Sweets, carbs, and desserts are on hold.
I’m taking medication (no insulin, so that’s a plus), eating healthier, and moving my body! Oh, my cholesterol is also high, so I’m on meds for that too. Diabetes & high cholesterol (triglycerides) oftentimes go hand in hand.
This is the first time, in years, I’ve been on daily medication. (I was on birth control pills for my uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, AFTER I had my tubes tied.) So far so good. I’ve experienced extremely mild “gastrointestinal” side effects from the meds, no biggie.
My goal is to lower my numbers and get off all medication. I’m confident I can accomplish that, if I really try. I know other people have done it.
My advice to everyone reading this? Get your yearly physicals. Don’t bury your head in the sand like I did. I avoided having my blood drawn, because I was afraid of what the results might show. Por Pendeja! Stupid!
Diabetes affects you in ways you may not know. It’s not just about high blood sugar, it’s so much more. Diabetes can damage your kidneys, liver, eyes, and heart. It can make you more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimer’s. It also screws with how your body reacts to cuts, injuries, and other illnesses and diseases. The list goes on & on.
Diabetes ain’t no joke!
I will be sharing more about my diabetes journey with you in the future. This is a topic I intend to discuss alot, with anyone who’ll listen.
