Summary

Erica, a Type 2 Diabetes patient, reflects on the challenges and lifestyle changes required to manage her chronic illness, finding both struggle and hope in her journey.

Abstract

Erica, the author, shares her emotional struggle with Type 2 Diabetes, highlighting the difficulty of managing her condition while still enjoying food, a significant part of her life and memories. She contrasts her old habits, which included ignoring her body's needs, with her new approach to health, which involves careful dietary choices, exercise, and stress management. Despite the limitations imposed by diabetes, Erica finds solace in the possibility that her lifestyle changes may not only improve her own health but also potentially break a generational genetic curse. Her narrative is a blend of personal anecdotes, the emotional impact of chronic illness, and a determination to embrace a healthier lifestyle for longevity and well-being.

Opinions

Erica feels that managing diabetes is a significant challenge, especially when it comes to enjoying food, which is deeply intertwined with family and social life.
She expresses empathy for others with diabetes, acknowledging the emotional toll it can take, particularly when it feels like one's joy is tied to food and family gatherings.
Erica believes that even healthy foods can be problematic for diabetics, as many can affect blood sugar levels.
She acknowledges the importance of mental health, noting that laughter and relaxation can positively impact blood sugar levels.
Erica views diabetes as both a nemesis and a saving grace; while it restricts her food choices and quantities, it also forces her to adopt a healthier lifestyle that could benefit her long-term health and future generations.
She remains optimistic, cheering for good health and vitality, and is determined to be the captain of her own ship (body), taking control of her health journey.

The Old Me Is Dying Because Of This Chronic Illness

A poem and prose about old comforts and new health

One Piece- small piece while watching, ‘One Piece’

Then

the old me closes the door of my mind bows as she lets new Me

In on new secrets naturally sweet ones

memories are bound— by crusty bread and deep red wine

Even though I am managing my Type 2 Diabetes pretty well, this morning I was very upset. I was upset because even the smallest amount of chips or the tiniest piece of cake can throw my blood sugars off balance.

The kicker is that even healthy foods tend to be off limits to diabetics. Those of you who can eat cereal, banana, milk, fruit juice and not have to count blood sugars, are actually very blessed.

Then again, the stats say that 37 million Americans have diabetes or are pre-diabetic, so many will walk into this doom as well and I’d rather people not board this ship.

I was in the support group online last night and a woman said, “What is the point of living if I have to live like this? I tie my joy to food and family!”

I understand.

Even though food in itself is not as important during a gathering…it does help foster memories and is a huge part of life. I think of family when I think of a birthday cake. I think of romantic love when I think of the Italian restaurant my husband and I went to during one of our anniversaries. It was a great, upscale restaurant that is no longer around, but loving memories are tied to the parmesan veal and crusty bread, with deep red wine.

I found myself back in the cycle of despair and anger. Most days I do really well avoiding carbs- which is also bad for diabetics because carbs break down into sugars, so basically any food on this planet can potentially harm my blood.

However, towards the middle of the day and after speaking with my husband about my feelings, I felt a small weight lift from me.

The old Erica never paid attention to her body. She was on autopilot. She thought she would be healthy and vibrant forever(and perhaps she still can).

However, New Erica is the captain of her ship(body), she is aware of all that is happening in her body and instead of feeling defeated, she tries new workouts she watches on social media, she finally opens up cookbooks with vegan recipes (still eat meat), she reads new authors who write about overcoming.

As I opened up the freezer for the frozen turkeys to eat with a boiled egg, I realized that when I laugh or when I am relaxed my blood sugars go way down. My husband can be a jokster sometimes and he said really funny stuff that had me rolling over in laughter. I was laughing hard too while watching Majin Buu turn people into chocolates(come on Dragon Ball Z fans!)before gulping them down.

I checked my blood sugar.

The meter said 79…that was perfect.

I think chronic illnesses, if looked at holistically, is simply detrimental if we allow it to be. I understand that some illnesses get worse over time or are worse than others. Diabetes is my nemesis because I am a person who likes food and large quantities of it as a matter of fact. Diabetes put the “smack down” on that. I have to watch my portions and work out even when I don’t feel like it.

I can also say that diabetes saved me because I am forced to incorporate a lifestyle that will hopefully break a generational genetic curse and help me to live longer.

Three cheers for good health and vitality!