I lived a healthy life and still got diabetes

I was pregnant with my sixth child when my health started taking a downward plunge. None of my previous pregnancies had come with extreme weakness and a drastic loss of weight. In just a month, I lost three kilograms and I was losing more weight. I also started feeling frequently thirty and I had to take a water bottle wherever I went.

On a sunny day, I would feel extremely cold and at night I would wake up feeling very hot and I had to uncover myself. But when I started shaking uncontrollably, I knew something was terribly wrong and I decided to seek medical attention. At this time, in 2006, my legs had become very dry especially around the feet. My lips were also very dry. All the while, I associated all these changes to the pregnancy. I thought it was just my body’s reaction to my pregnancy.

I was given some medicines at the health facility and everything went back to normal. In fact, I delivered a very healthy baby with so much ease. But sometime in 2013, all the previous experiences re-surfaced. This time it was so bad that I started losing vision. In no time, I couldn’t read a text message on my phone. At work, I had to enlarge the font size to type on a computer. I became so weak and I shook uncontrollably. When I went to hospital, a blood sugar test revealed mine was at level 22 against the normal 6. Things didn’t improve even with the medication.

Resisting insulin shots

My next stop was Aga Khan Hospital where I was diagnosed with diabetes Type 2. I have never received worse news in my life. I had ruled out diabetes even as I tried to assess the cause of my experiences. No one in my family had been diagnosed with the condition. The doctor however attributed my condition to my lifestyle choices. That stumped me because I have never had alcohol. Besides, my community service job requires me to walk a lot and I would think that is enough exercise. That diagnosis was a puzzle I couldn’t solve.

I was in denial even as the doctor took me through counselling to put me on insulin. I left the facility promising the doctor to think about it. At home, I kept the doctor’s pronouncement a secret. I thought it would be very hard for them to accept that I was terribly sick. But again, the medicines I was given at the hospital were not working.

I went back to the hospital after a month and he took me to a ward full of cancer patients. There were so many sick people. He explained that to me that my condition was way more manageable and I needed to make a quick decision. I gave in. I was put on insulin and a nutritionist at the facility also told me how to eat well.

Managing sugar levels

With time I have learnt to accept my medical condition. With an injector pen, it is convenient for me to inject myself with insulin wherever I am. I have also leaned to stick to a proper diet. I strictly avoid carbohydrates to limit the amount of sugars I consume. Instead, I eat a lot of vegetables and drink lots of water. I also limit the amount of fruits I take. When I eat an orange, I only take a slice. Other things I avoid are red meat and soda. I also have to eat very small quantities of food every time. When travelling, I ensure I have biscuits in case I get to a point that I can’t access any meals. The biscuits replenish my energy.

I don’t take sugar at all and very little salt. I have also learnt to use very little cooking oil.

These days, my blood sugar is between 5 and 6. Also my family understands my condition and does everything to help me manage.

The doctor advised me to avoid getting injuries because wounds don’t heal fast for diabetic people. And if I happen to have high blood sugar during my menses, I bleed a lot.

I encourage anyone living with diabetes to embrace it and live positively. Diabetes is just like any other medical condition and it is manageable. Above all, adhere to your medication and stick to a proper diet.