Growing up, I became keenly aware of my familyòòò½ÊÓƵ™s history of susceptibility to diabetes. But like most young people who, for the most part, have never had a weight problem, I simply ignored the possibility I would ever have to deal with it.
That was the other guyòòò½ÊÓƵ™s problem.
Big mistake.
My nephew is the only one in our family I know of that has Type 1 Diabetes, while many others in my family must deal with Type 2. But that wouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t catch up with me, would it?
About five years ago during a routine physical exam and, after I had submitted to a blood test, my doctor informed me that I was pre-diabetic and that he recommended that I start taking medication to curb it. Even then I remember thinking, òòò½ÊÓƵœpre-diabetic, that doesnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t mean anything. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s not like Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™m going to change my lifestyle and stop eating the things I want to eat. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™ll take the medication and that should take care of that.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Once again, big mistake. Huge.
Months later, after having my blood drawn, not only did I discover I was a full-blown diabetic, but that my A1C had reached an astronomical level of 10.5. I began to display the typical symptoms, too. I developed an insatiable need for fluids, and I began urinating more frequently.
My doctor suggestedòòò½ÊÓƵ”nay demandedòòò½ÊÓƵ”that I begin taking Ozempic, a pen-like treatment in which a person would inject himself once a week. I told her I would rather not submit to such a treatment. She then suggested that I find another doctor because she didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t want to be the subject of a malpractice suit.
If that doesnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t wake you up, not much will.
So, reluctantly, I began taking the medication. Over time, I began to notice a few things. One, my need for fluids had diminished as did my trips to the bathroom. I also began to lose weight because my appetite wasnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t as big. And no, I wouldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t recommend people stick themselves weekly with Ozempic just to lose weight. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s not what itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s for and that was a secondary benefit for me.
But the most important thing was that I began to feel better. As a matter of fact, I began to feel better than I had in years and I reveled in that. It made me even want to get out and exercise, and I began to walk 3 ½ to 4 miles a day.
But after losing my medical benefits, I could no longer afford the medication due to the astronomical costs, and so I stopped taking it. I knew that would become a detriment to me, and after moving to Texas, I beganòòò½ÊÓƵ”once againòòò½ÊÓƵ”to undertake an unhealthy diet, always eat on the run, etc.
The result: My blood sugar rose back to dangerous levels, and it made me sick enough to visit the emergency room in December. Thank God my health insurance benefits were soon restored and I am now back on the path to restoring my health with the advice of a doctor I know cares about my well-being.
The moral of the storyòòò½ÊÓƵ”donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t play around with diabetes. The older I have gotten, the more knowledgeable and less stubborn Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve become when it comes to combating this terrible affliction. And I know what you might be thinking, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s his fault. He doesnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t have any discipline.
I wonòòò½ÊÓƵ™t deny that, and I brought a lot of it on myself. I learned the hard way. I pray that it doesnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t happen to you.
The American Diabetes Association reported in 2024 that 38.4 million people of all ages in America, or 11.6% of the population, have been stricken with diabetes. A total of 8.7 million adults ages 18 or older donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t even know they have it. And itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s not just in older people, young people can contract Type 2 diabetes just as easily.
I learned a lot about this during Citizens Medical Centeròòò½ÊÓƵ™s Heart Health Fair on Tuesday. I spoke with a cardiologist that laid out some cold, hard facts and warnings for those who may not think they will ever have to deal with diabetes. You can read that story here. Diabetes indeed can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and we all know how bad those can be.
For people of any age, I recommend having your blood tested regularly and your A1C checked. It could save you a lot of grief, and it can keep you and your heart healthy. Do yourself a favor and make the necessary life changes.
Remember, someone out there loves you and wants you to hang around a little bit longer. If you donòòò½ÊÓƵ™t do it for yourself, do it for them.