Noninsulin-dependent Diabetes
Mellitus (NIDDM)
It is a no secret (especially in my blog) - I am one of
the millions diabetic patients world wide. But I am not sure if I have detailed out how I
survived managing the numbers. Trust me, it is not that easy.
I was diagnosed in year 2004 (I am
seriously blaming the huge amount of coke and root beer that I drank during the
final year and of course - i did not exercise much back then, I would say
hardly - only the occasional swimming). My initial HBA1C was 12!
** Glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c,
A1C, or Hb1c; sometimes also HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is measured primarily to identify the average plasma
glucose concentration over prolonged
periods of time. This serves as a
marker for average blood glucose levels over the previous months prior to the
measurement. In diabetes mellitus, higher amounts of glycated
hemoglobin, indicating poorer control of blood glucose levels, have been
associated with cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
Monitoring HbA1c in type 1 diabetic patients may improve
outcomes. **
How did I found out? I
had to undergo a full medical checkup for a job. Upon knowing the
result, I was denied the job (talk about equal opportunity right?!! – but Alhamdulillah,
it is a blessing in disguise). I waited a week before telling my mom. And of
course, my dad soon after that. I spent 8 months at the gym - exercising.
Improvement was there but I lack the knowledge of how to manage the numbers.
And the young-at-heart wanted to enjoy life rather than taking care of the
numbers. There was a few time, mom panicked when the numbers drop too low -
sorry mom for the sleepless nights, rushing to the clinic etc.
In 2005, I managed to
secure a job that lead to my current career path (Alhamdulillah) and I then
moved to Putrajaya. This is where I started going for regular checkups with
Dr.H (a specialist at KKPjaya). I got to know a nurse that taught me how to
take care of myself especially in managing the numbers. And trust me, I was so
adamant in keeping the numbers low – till date, I have never missed my
appointments. Of course, there are always the low points when at times I just
gave up – experimented with my medications and of course, numbers went crazy
again. Lessons learnt through the hard way! By the way – I am a NIDDM patient –
Non Insulin dependent, only taking tablets (and at very low dosage).
Apart from taking
medications, I took charge of my life. I tried my best to stay active. There
was a period that I was at the gym every single day!! But of course, that was
not a sustainable approach with my work schedules. I tried to put varieties
into my workout – apart from going to the gym, I do outdoor sports – hiking (when
possible), cycling, futsal, badminton and swimming. I used to join runs but due
to unforeseen circumstances, I had to stop. By the way, my passion in keeping myself fit, lead me to take a certification called Personal Trainer in which I learned the right way of exercising, programming workouts etc.
Food wise – initially it
was hard but I survived. Yes, I do at times miss my old
self – the girl that would eat nasi lemak with extra portion, the girl who
could have 2 plates of nasi kandar at one go, the girl who would not stop
eating durian at just 3 ulas, the girl that eats fast food almost every week
and much more. But the change was for a better me. I survived Ramadhan by just
eating a bowl of koko krunch, 3 dates and water for sahur and a handful of kuih
and dates for berbuka. A month of no rice (or very little amount).
In 2013 - Numbers are
awesome – my HBA1C currently is at 5.4. I have managed to sheds lots of kilos
compared to when I was initially diagnosed and life is FUN. It was a long way
from 2005 till now and I still have a long way ahead.
To fellow diabetic
patients – take charge of your life. Do not let the disease control your life.
·
Always go for your routine follow up.
·
DO NOT skip your medications unless your doctor says
so.
·
Lead a healthy lifestyle – eat everything moderately.
·
Lead an active life –Don’t have time for exercise? Lame excuse. Make time.
