NOVEMBER 13 ― It was the contents in a test tube that more or less put paid on how the rest of my life would be spent. As a diabetic. Being only 10 years old, the diagnosis at the time meant no more sugary goodness (except on birthdays and Christmas) and having to have daily insulin injections (yes, it was a fun show-and-tell when injection time came around at school).
My parents, especially mum, went into hyperdrive into ensuring I ate only what was allowed, exercised and, of course, went for regular check-ups.
We even took to joining the diabetic association but going to diabetic camp was something I refused to do.
Maybe at the back of my mind, it was already depressing without having to spend more time having to man (woman) up to the condition that would be with me for the rest of my life. But those who have a chronic illness know that even though you don't talk about it, the shadow is there. Always there. Lurking.
Flash forward 29 years later, I am actually looking forward to turning 40 next year.
Why? Well, because with all the bad news and horror stories that come with diabetes, every year I notch up is nothing short of a miracle.
Of course, those close to me don’t think it's funny when I say I will probably die once I hit the four decade mark (grin! It’s a joke, guys).
But the list of illnesses that come with having diabetes is long and quite, quite scary.
Nearly every single organ will fail. If you don’t have a tight control over the blood sugar levels. Blindness, kidney failure, a failing heart.
You name it, a diabetic can more or less suffer from it.
For the non-diabetics, who are on the outside looking in, must think, “how difficult can it be? Just cut sugar from your diet. You must have not have worked hard enough to control your blood sugar”.
Well, my dear friends with healthy pancreases, it takes more than that.
Let me walk you through it.
1. Ever had a point where you see temporary floaters or your sight goes blurry for a split second?
To a non-diabetic, that’s nothing. For a diabetic, paranoia creeps in as to whether this is the start of going blind.
2. What about the times when you just feel so tired you can’t think straight, have difficulty concentrating or double vision?
That's probably the start of a low blood sugar episode. And no, you DO NOT want to tell your diabetic friend off during these times just because you see them chugging down sweet drinks or stuffing their faces with sugary stuff. They need it. Don’t judge even if it's reminiscent to the Tasmanian Devil shovelling food and drink.
3. And yes, we understand your concern when you see us digging into that chocolate cake. But a wee bit is permissible.
4. That medical insurance you just signed up for? Don’t take it for granted. People like me can't or have difficulties getting coverage. It's either pay all the way to see a doctor in the private sector or go into the public healthcare system. Whatever said and done, the current healthcare system is God-sent for those with chronic illnesses because it helps offset medical bills that can spiral.
5. A happily ever after? Not so fast.
While there is a gargantuan number of Malaysians who are diabetics, there is still stigma and discrimination. I kid you not. Being a Eurasian diabetic, who is a reporter to boot, doesn’t make you very “marketable” with future in-laws.
The phrase: She will sleep around (reporter), smoke and drink (Eurasian) and die before you (diabetic) is one that was hurled at me. Another favourite is “she will cost you a lot of money”. Yes, people can be that judgmental. So, once a partner comes around and accepts you for what you have, that's really all you need.
6. Ditto for jobs where employers have it in their heads that diabetes is akin to the next deadly disease. So, thank goodness for those who take a chance and hire you. More often than not, the diabetic will work like a hamster on speed.
But through it all, I guess I should be thankful to diabetes. Why? Because it has taught me to not take life for granted. To live every day to its fullest. To charge full steam ahead with gratifying results and to prove certain quarters wrong.
And to laugh. A lot.
My new colleagues have put it down to having a mental condition and who knows I may have one, but laughing and cracking jokes are good for the soul and a weary mind.
However, while I didn’t have a choice being a diabetic (my pancreas just stopped working), there are many people out there who can avoid developing the disease.
And you should do everything in your power to not get it because once you have it, trust me, every day is an uphill climb. One that will break or make you.
* Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day which was launched following the growing response on the escalating health threat posed by the illness. Audrey Edwards is news editor at Malay Mail. She can be reached at [email protected].
** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
