Diabetes has given me discipline, out of respect for my body, my health and my overall wellbeing and happiness. It has also allowed me to have greater respect for others around me. I dont take anything for granted now : ) I always try to remind myself of this when I’m having one of those down in the dumps diabetic days (haha, going to town on the ol’ alliteration there)
Thanks for your starting question Riva. I’ll be sure to come back to this topic when I’m in need of some perspective, which happens from time to time.
respect for life…I have a whole new outlook as I saw just how fragile it is, I appreciate every day, and do not mind the weight loss! I look after my health and well being much better then I used to ! I will look for this too if I happen to have a rough day and need cheering up!
Gratitude for every day I get to beat the odds and keep my precious boy healthy, happy, and ALIVE.
- forcing myself to cook without flour, sugar, pasta, potatoes, or white bread has blown open my culinary repertoire and made me a much more creative cook and eater.
- because i’m a newly diagnosed type 1, i managed to finagle myself a free doctor’s visit at joslin (w/full labs and an eye exam) and extra $$$$ in “trial-related compensation” under the auspices of a 2-hour observational study.
Seriously, being diagnosed with type 2 in 2009 gave me my health, my life and my future. Until my diagnosis I was unaware of my body and had no clue about consequences of what I did or didn’t do with it. I was an overweight couch potato who barely walked a few blocks. When I was diagnosed I finally found the impetus to lose 35 lbs., start running (couch to 5k of course). I am now a Weight Watchers leader and ran my first half marathon in December. I’m a fitness blogger and solo performer. And NONE of this would have happened without diabetes. I will always be grateful.
Diabetes has made me pay attention to my health. I’ve quit smoking, started exercising daily and eating better because of diabetes.
Bravo Terry !
I now have zero fear of needles, being poked or blood. Bring it on!!! ;0)
A unique understanding of carbohydrates.
Carbs = the enemy for nearly ALL health problems. Lipids, blood pressure, kidney damage, eye damage, etc.
I also learned that I lost 15 years of my life expectancy the instant I was diagnosed as a type 2.
Diabetes made me stronger in some ways, and incredibly weaker in others.
Perhaps to sum it up with a single word:
Enlightenment
PD I also discovered that where I live, I don’t need a prescription for regular insulin or syringes. No one here does. However, unless you have proof of the need, you have to buy the insulin at the same time you buy the syringes.
I believe Pen Needles are different and you can buy them without a problem.
@ Jean, me too ! I used to not be too thrilled with needles, now they don’t bother me…weird ! I love the weight loss I went down in pants size and it gave me an excuse to buy new jeans I about exploded as I was so thrilled !
Cathy
my career! I took up figure skating when I was a kid to help control my diabetes and I ended up going to regionals and sectionals and now teach it and love what I do, thanks to Diiabetes
Hey Priscilla, that’s pretty neat, makes me smile how you fashioned an ice skating career. 'Tis true you may have never discovered it where it not for the Big D. 
Hi Priscilla, that’s wonderful thanks for sharing your story!
one positive thing I got from diabetes is a lot of new friends! the second positive thing is SUPPORT!
I love tu-diabetes. i’m so blessed to have found out about this site.
Nice to meet you Green Rose! And welcome to the ‘Club’ . . .
Learning to cook and opening my mind up to a world of amazing flavor that does not require what I thought tasted good prior to my diagnosis.
A Healthy Respect for MY Life!
Changing doctor. This new doctor is making my diabetes life so much easier for me.
A much better body. Insulin when used correctly is a growth factor and my diet is 100x better than it used to be.