I picked this TB up with my mom in mind. She has Type 1 diabetes, and I know the struggles she has with it. But that don't get [i]her[/i] down! In fact, I will be picking her up to go and do some hiking and bushwacking with me... I mean GEOCACHING, later on this afternoon. She developed diabetes due to a hereditary disease (Hemochromatosis) that can damage all major organs, in her case, the pancreas, which of course is what produces insulin. She has never been overweight, but she loved her pie and cookies, which now has to be either passed over, or at least considered a rare treat. She has to stick herself multiple times a day, and meals have to be eaten at a [i]certain[/i] time, or she'll run the risk of a sugar low. And when it IS time to eat, she has to excuse herself from everybody, decide just how much insulin she needs, and give herself a shot. And she has to keep stats of her blood sugar readings - the Dr. wants to see it at each visit. Taking a shot at bedtime is a must - otherwise she could fall into a diabetic coma in her sleep, and never wake up. Diabetics also have to take especial care of their feet because injury or poor circulation can be very serious, leading to the amputation of a foot or a leg.
But my mom somehow remains cheerful and retains her sense of adventure 👍 She works out at the gym 3 times a week, volunteers, (is looking for a job), reads her bible and prays every day, walks her dog, mows her lawn, and sometimes goes geocaching with her daughter. 🙂
She is amazing. I would be glad to be half the woman she is. She is a testimony to how a devasting condition, such as diabetes, doesn't have to take away the enjoyment of life!