I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996. I was first put on oral medication to help control my diabetes.  I was taking the pill but not doing well on it.  My health care provider and I tried a variety of different diabetes medications but due to negative side effects of these medications it was difficult to find a treatment that would work for me.   During this time no one told me that I needed to be checking my blood sugar so it went uncontrolled until I returned to the first endocrinologist.  By that time, things had gotten so out of control I felt helpless.  I was put on insulin and finally given a meter to check my blood sugars regularly.  My first thought was, “I can’t give myself shots. I am going to die of diabetes.”  It took me two months to learn how to give myself a shot.  I kept thinking, “There has to be a better way”.  Then one day, I was on a plane to Texas and the woman sitting next to me was a diabetic and had an insulin pen.  She explained how it worked and how pleased she was.  When I returned back to North Carolina I asked my doctor about the insulin pen.  I was given a prescription for the pen and the needles.  I was so happy that it was virtually painless and I was finally able to give myself an insulin shot without a second thought.  Now I find out that I am insulin resistant.  I really didn’t understand what was going on.  I do know that I need to exercise more and when I don’t walk I feel very guilty.  Diabetes has taken my mother and my youngest brother and I am determined that it won’t take me!  I have not been really sick or hospitalized because of my diabetes. My last A1C was 9.2.That was down from 13.5. I am determined to get it down to 5.0. I am taking my insulin and my meds every day. I walk 15 to 30 minutes each day.  My daughter introduced me to Brandy at church. I sent an e-mail and I have been involved with DiabetesSisters since I met her.  This organization has made realize that I am not alone. I tell every diabetic female that I meet about the organization. This group has made me realize how dangerous diabetes is. I realized that it takes a lot of energy to fight it, because you are fighting for your life. Diabetes is a life threatening disease. Right now I am working on a diet plan.  I have taken red meat completely out of my diet. Sodas are the next thing to remove completely from my diet. Fish and chicken will be my main meats. When I get my plan together I will meet with a nutritionist and figure out how to adjust my insulin to my diet.  I hope to have this accomplished in about a month.  I know that I can do this!  I want to do this for not only myself but for my unborn grandchildren.  And with the help of DiabetesSisters, I WILL !