Nothing is more powerful than hearing from a woman who has "walked in your shoes."  As the number of women with diabetes continues to rise, it is increasingly important for women to join together to support and educate each other.  The stories shared by members in this section show the importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, diabetes education, lifestyle interventions, social support, and a positive outook-- all of which are critical in improving the overall health and quality of life of women with, and those at risk of developing diabetes.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

“I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 13 and I have lived with it for 54 years now. Back when I was first diagnosed, diabetes was very hard to control. Today, things have really changed for the better.  Most importantly, we have easier ways to manage our glucose levels. I just want women to know that you can live life to the fullest with this disease if you will just do what is necessary- testing, finding support, staying in touch with your medical team.  I am a living example of a woman who has been able to stay healthy.  I have been asked how I have managed to live so long and be so well.  My answer: I do what I know I must do each and everyday with a positive outlook.  I have always had hope that I could do this!  I want to instill that same hope in other women with diabetes."

-- Pat Lewis, Age 67, Type 1 diabetes

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EARLY DETECTION

“Type 2 diabetes turned me into a runner and an advocate. In 2006, at 39 yrs old, chest pains landed me in the ER; I thought I was having a heart attack. Fifty pounds overweight, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise made me the latest victim of diabetes. After three days in the hospital, I headed home for drastic life changes. Denial, depression, and anger set in. Eventually, the bad turned into good, as I ate healthfully, dropped nearly 45 pounds, and began walking regularly. In late 2008, I transitioned to running (slowly!) and have completed six 5Ks, two 10Ks, and most recently, my first half marathon, with three more planned for 2010!  Though I often fight illness, and still deal with the occasional anger and  depression about having diabetes, I am thankful for positive changes diabetes has brought to my life.”

--Robin LeRoy-Kyle, Age 43, Type 2 diabetes

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POSITIVE OUTLOOK

“I am a 32-year-old veterinary student.  I was diagnosed with diabetes 19 years ago.  Almost immediately, I was put on a pump and consistently had HbA1Cs in the mid-high 5's.  Then, right before my 9th anniversary, my honeymoon phase ended.   I had to double my basal rates in my pump and my insulin:carb ratios.  In addition, I started using birth control pills and my blood sugars went haywire.   It seemed as though my life went from a nice routine to constant chaos overnight.  Like many women with diabetes, I also battle depression.   However, I have found that daily exercise and a good sense of humor are what get me through trials and tribulations of diabetes.”

-- Kelby Simison, Age 32, Type 1 diabetes

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LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION

“In August of 2002, weighing in at 220 pounds, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I was put on oral medication told to lose weight.  This was very hard for me to hear, as I had been a yo-yo dieter ALL of my life. I was an overweight child, who grew up to be an overweight teen, adult and then a yo-yo dieter. However, I followed my doctor suggested that I take a diabetes class to help get me started.  I also as did a lot of research on my own. I lost 65 pounds.  Three years after my diagnosis, I was taken off of the medication. I now control my diabetes through eating a proper diet and exercise. I have my A1C checked every 6 months and my numbers have remained good.  It has now been over seven years that I have kept the weight off and five years that I have been off of the medication.  I’m living proof…It can be done!”

--Angela Myles, Age 40, Type 2 diabetes

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ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS

“I am 25 years old and I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 21.  After feeling tired unusually thirsty for a few weeks, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment.   The doctor assured me that there was no way I could have diabetes and sent me on my way. Weeks later, when I had no energy and was drained, I requested a visit with another doctor. I explained all of the symptoms and she checked my blood sugar level.  It was very high and I was immediately put on Metformin tablets.  After months and  months of taking the highest dose of metformin, my blood sugars were not coming down.  Finally, they realized that I had Type 1 diabetes rather than Type 2 diabetes.  Immediately, they switched me to insulin injections and my blood sugar immediately came down.

Having Diabetes has a big impact on me emotionally.   When I was diagnosed, my world fell apart.  No one in my family had diabetes and I constantly asked, “Why me?”  I still feel that it is not fair, but I take five injections each day and I am happy that I can control this disease with insulin.   I feel very lucky to have a strong support system that includes my husband and a friend with diabetes.”

-- Sarah, Age 25, Type 1 diabetes, Yorkshire, UK

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DIABETES EDUCATION

“I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1991 at the age of 21.  I traveled a rough road during the first few years after my diagnosis.  First of all, I truly believe that I had been living with diabetes for a very long time before my diagnosis.  For at least a year (maybe longer) before I was diagnosed with diabetes, I had stages where I would get shaky and have to eat something sweet. Although diabetes runs in my family, it did not occur to me that I may have diabetes. Just before my diagnosis, I began to get sick every day at work.  I threw up almost every morning. I stayed thirsty, exhausted, and lost thirty pounds within one month. That’s when I finally went to the doctor and was hit with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, at the time of my diagnosis, the doctors and nurses did not educate me about this disease and I had no idea just how serious it was. It wasn’t until much later on when I switched to a new doctor that I began to learn more and more about the disease.  He made sure that all of his patients were educated. I could dwell on the problems I’ve encountered with my disease and with various people, but I refuse to let neither get in my way of enjoying life…..nor should you!”

--Laura Pearson, Age 40, Type 1 diabetes

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LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION

“Hi.  My name is Melanie Renee James (I go by Renee).  I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in February 2009.  My obstetrician detected it early at my annual check-up.  She was concerned so she sent me on to my primary care doctor.  And thus my diabetes story began.  I must say it came as a shock and it took me months (close to a year) before I was able to walk into my doctor's office and not get emotional.  I currently take oral medications, watch my diet, and exercise to keep my glucose levels down.  I've lost 40 pounds since being diagnosed.  My personal goal is to be able to get back to my weight before my first child was born 22 years ago.  I have about 15 pounds to go!  THANK YOU to the individuals who came up with this site/organization and I look forward to chatting, e-mailing, and getting to know each of you.  Take care.”

-- Melanie Renee James, Age 47, Type 2 diabetes

SOCIAL SUPPORT

"I can remember sitting in the E.R at 7pm on March 4, 1994.  I wasn't upset that they were poking me with needles and talking all kinds of crazy medical terms (I was only 11, so I didn't care!).  I was more upset about the fact that I had passed out on the pitcher’s mound and had to leave my All-Star game.  When the doctor came in and told me I had diabetes and would need a shot of insulin (my blood sugar was 708!), I got a little upset.  I was always told from day one that it was going to be okay because this disease could be controlled. I handled it well over the next few years and throughout high school.  It wasn't until college that I really started to think negatively about my diabetes. After years and years on shots, daily blood sugar testing, and eating the right foods at the right time, I went into denial. I wouldn't admit to having diabetes. I would tell myself, “Oh you can eat that…just take more insulin.”  It wasn't until I graduated from college in 2006 that I came back to reality and realized that I needed to take control of disease again!  With the support of friends, family, and a loving husband, I got my diabetes under control.   
--Jamee, Age 27, Type 1 diabetes, Fruitland Park, FL

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DIABETES EDUCATION

"I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11. I endured many difficult years, suffering from out of control blood sugars, depression, and multiple illnesses as a result of a weak immune system. Once in my 20's, things started to slowly improve. I learned as much as I could about diabetes and even regularly read journals of medicine to try and gain a more in-depth knowledge about diabetes and the body in general. I realized much of what I had been told was wrong. Doctors had told me I may never have a baby, that I wouldn't be able to wear high heels, and that I needed to eat a low fat, high carb diet. I began eating healthy fats and fewer carbohydrates and I cut out processed foods. In three months I lowered my cholesterol level dramatically and to a normal level. I also lowered my A1c from 9% to 5%. I became more active and lost 35 pounds. I found I could wear high heels again. I got married two years ago and gave birth to healthy twins one year ago. Now, I enjoy sharing my diabetes journey with other women so they know they too, can turn their life around, be in charge of their health, and get everything they want and deserve!"
--Sysy Morales, Age 27, Type 1, Roanoke, VA

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LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION

"It was just before I got married when my mother was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She was having bloodwork done for surgery when her diabetes was diagnosed. To begin with, my mother probably did not give this "diagnosis" the attention it needed. She was placed on insulin shots twice a day, and thus her journey begin. Her diagnosis was lingering in the back of my when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2009. It hit me like a ton of bricks!  I immediately asked, “Why me?” But, I guess I could see it coming in some ways.  After all, I had a mother with diabetes and I had gestational diabetes with my second pregnancy.  Now, fast forward one and a half years after my diagnosis and you’ll see that I exercise regularly, have lost 45 pounds, and am working hard with my doctor to control my diabetes. It has been an emotional roller coaster and for me that has probably been the most difficult aspect of diabetes for me.  I have found it difficult to share with people who just don't understand what life is like for me.  I always get excited about talking with my DiabetesSisters.  It’s powerful to to learn how they "keep going". "
--Melanie James, Age 47, Type 2, Clayton, NC

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HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT



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HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

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POSITIVE OUTLOOK

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POSITIVE OUTLOOK

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ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS

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SOCIAL SUPPORT

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