Question of the week

kithalloyd

Hello everyone I am so excited to have you all to walk with on this journey. This week my question is what motivates you to do better as a diabetic?

For me its my kids! I want to llive to see them grow to an adult and I want grandkids and even greats. I was told once that if I didnt lose weight and get my alc better that I would shave 10 yrs or more off. This mad me cry however he was right. His tough love did not change me that day nor did it months later. It took me looking at myself and my kids .My daughter is 6 now and my son 1. My daughter reminds me shes at the age that she questions and once she told me mommy I dont want you to die this is right after she asked me what my insulin was for and my response was to help me live. I realized that I can live a healthy longer life or I could cut myself short. I chose to be that healthy mom who can play and go on trips with her kids. I want to live!! I want to be healthier! Thus Im on a journery.

I cant wait to hear what motivates you guys Im so excited!!!

DebbyMargaret

For me, my motivation is to live a long healthy life. As we know, diabetes is a silent disease, when our glucose levels are high, our internal systems -- heart, kidney, nervous and vision-- are slowly being damaged. I will forever have the memory of my grandmother, who lived until age 92, but lost her lower leg due to diabetes.

Of course there are the effects of a normal glucose levels I experience immediately--more energy, more attractive physically, and a better emotional state. My self esteem is also connected to my physical appearance. When I am eating a healthy diet, I feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually. I want to remain healthy and active physically--biking, hiking, and practicing yoga throughout my 60s, 70s, 80s and maybe even 90s!

jbalistriere

I have a few...

1. I watched my grandpa not take care of his diabetes. I remember yelling at him to call his doctor when his sugars were high and pills weren't working. I remember his heart doctor telling me they needed to do surgery to remove his toes or the infection would kill him but the surgery would probably kill him. I watched him survive the struggles of the surgery only to have him need his leg amputated a few years later - with the exact same warnings from the doctor. I remember him coming out of surgery and thinking phew we made it and remember the nurse telling me just a few days later that the best we can do is keep him comfortable. The last thing I remember is getting to the hospital five minutes too late. I don't want my kids and future grandkids to ever go through that pain.

2. Five years ago, I noticed changes in my stepson. A few months later his mother finally took him to the doctor... T1D. He's going to be 21 in March and it's a miracle he got to that point because he's been severe DKA several times (the whole invinsibility thing really skews his thinking I think). He's definitely no stranger to the ICU. When he was first diagnosed, I started to get my stuff together (the first time) cause I thought if I could lead by example, it would be easier for him. I fell off the wagon and while I don't think he fully gets the messages I'm sending, I'm hoping he will see me get back on the wagon now and he'll realize he can do the same.

3. One of my very good friends at work just mourned the one year anniversary of her son's death from diabetes complications. I hear the pain in her voice every time we speak. I don't want to put my parents and kids through that.

4. I'm going to be 30 in May. I didn't spend my 20's in the healthiest ways but I'm hoping by starting my 30's healthy, it will put give me a fresh start.

5. And the saddest, most pathetic motivator... When I started this journey in June, it was because I found a super cute pair of jeans (a rare find the "bigger" section) but they didn't fit quite right and I said muffin top be damned, I'm going to get these jeans and I'm going to rock them! Watching my carbs closer would help my diabetes and my waistline.... Perfect match! Oh, and, two weeks ago, I packed the jeans away because they no longer fit.... and I couldn't be happier.

So long winded but honest.

kithalloyd

yes you are both right diabetes is a silent but dealdy. My grandad, my aunt and uncle all had their legs cut off due to not taking care of themselves. Now my grandad actually fell and broke his hip but he others they just didnt take care of themselves. I have seen many members die of diabeties. my grandad was in his 80s so he lived very long pending that he lost his memory yet the others were in their 50s. When I found out I was in the hospital for two weeks and almost died. I was told my life would consist of being in and out of the hospital but thanks to god I have never been back. Ive been very close but managed to bypass it.

Motivaton is simply motivation. If you are trying to get in a pair of jeans go for it that is something that is your goal and makes you strive for success.

Good responses girls!!