Diabetes: 3-Day Challenge

Diabetes is a rapidly growing disease.  According to the American Diabetes Association 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—(8.3% of the population)—have diabetes.  http://tinyurl.com/avy9fn2.  Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:

·        Heart Disease and Stroke

·        High Blood Pressure

·        Blindness

·        Kidney Disease

·        Nervous System Disease (Neuropathy)

·        Amputation

Challenges of Type II Diabetes - Working in the pharmaceutical industry, I see the challenges everyday that people with Type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers must face on a daily basis. Type 2 diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder that requires difficult lifestyle issues to be addressed by those battling the disease.   Diabetes is not a disease that can be easily fixed with a shot or pill.  Patients with diabetes must be proactive in their lifestyle choices- as it relates to physical activity and proper nutrition.  For those who wish to truly beat this terrible disease, diet and daily exercise can slow or even reverse the progression of Type 2 diabetes.

My 3-Day Experience of Living with Diabetes - As part of my pharmaceutical training, I had to ‘live’ as a diabetic patient for three days.  Let me tell you, the challenges I experienced were greater than I ever expected.   I carried a blood glucose monitor to check my blood sugar and t is not fun to have to prick your finger several times a day!  I also gave myself saline injections as would a diabetic who required insulin.  Every meal was a mental chore as I had to pay close attention to all food intake and counted carbohydrates at every meal.  Although I did not experience the blood sugar highs (hyperglycemia) and lows (hypoglycemia) that diabetics encounter on a daily basis, I learned enough during my 3-Day challenge to fully realize that living as a Type 2 diabetic is both demanding and difficult.

I would strongly encourage anyone who may be at risk for diabetes, pre-diabetic, or diagnosed to please take this disease seriously and realize that you do have control over the wrath of this horrible disease.  Exercise, eat nutritious well-balanced meals, and spend time researching reputable sources for information and advice.  Take the necessary steps to take control of Type 2 diabetes before it takes control of you?