‘m 37 years old and a housewife. I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 in 2004 and was shocked when I heard that I had diabetes. Being overweight, I was at a higher risk of diabetes. I was warned by my doctors of serious complications such as heart disease and kidney damage. I was all alone in this and afraid.

Lucky for me, a renowned diabetes educator held a group education session at my local community center a few days later. She educated us about type 2 diabetes, and advised that we should keep fit and slim by means of regular exercise and a balanced diet. I wanted to lose weight desperately. I wanted to live long enough see my grandchildren.

I felt really motivated after the session. I reduced the oil in my cooking and cut out butter and cheese from my sandwiches. I consumed more fruits and veggies. Now, when I feel peckish, I eat an apple rather than a doughnut or brownies. I walk my children to school every day and come back walking.

Since the date of diagnosis, I’ve lost well over 70 pounds and my blood sugar has come down to just the right level. I feel much energetic, like I used to when I was a teenager. My kids frequently praise me for my newly achieved beauty.

Becoming diabetic has it’s positive effects too. At least in my case it is so. My lifestyle has changed for the better after becoming diabetic. I’m 55 years old IT specialist from New Jersey. I used play football in college but failed to manage time after I started working. My body weight soared up to way over 240 pounds.

I also started experiencing pain in my legs. My doctor suspected it maybe diabetes. It was: I had diabetes type II. My blood sugar levels were dangerously high. My GP suggested a new diet and exercise regime. The new regime also involved cutting out alcohol completely. I now eat a lot of seafoods, skinned chicken and vegetables. Processed foods are total no no. I’m now 160 pounds and feel so much better. I’m more active and my blood sugar is under control. Diabetes has made me change my life.

Hi, I’m 58 and a retired front office employee. 10 years ago when I was waiting for a train at the station, I saw this poster and it said, “If you’re thirsty all the time, if your vision is blurred and if you’re constantly fatigued, you might have diabetes type II. Get tested now.” I was shocked because I had all of those symptoms. So I arranged an appointment with my physician immediately, who confirmed my suspicion. I had type II diabetes.

I have joined various support groups after I was diagnosed with diabetes. I do a lot of voluntary work in order to raise awareness. It is important for people to watch out for the signs. Delayed treatment can cause further complications, such as kidney failure, heart disease, nerve damage, blindness and even amputation. So don’t waste time, get tested if you’re even the least worried.

I’m 61 years old and a registered nurse. I’m married with two grown sons. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010, August. My wife Betty has had it since 2006. I’m about 5 feet 8 inches tall and overweight at 230 lbs. I’m also a heavy smoker. 

Besides diabetes, I also suffer from hypertension, my blood pressure is around 150/90. After talking with my doctor, I’m trying to manage my blood pressure with diet and weight loss. I was prescribed Metformin and after I started the drug, my blood sugars have come down to a fasting 140 mg/dl from whopping 350 mg/dl. My most recent A1c reading was 7. I’ve resorted to olive oil in cooking, and have cut down on salt. I’ve also been doing some cardios at the gym and occasional Zumba classes.

Diabetes doesn’t bother me much except the fact that I haven’t had a milkshake in a long time. But I guess to win some, you’ve got to lose some. I have lost 13 pounds already just by making some adjustments to my diet and lifestyle. I stay away from chips and rarely drink cola.

I’m a regular 16-year-old who likes hanging out with friends, watching TV and social networking. I have many dreams for my future. But unlike most other teenagers, I have Type 2 diabetes. I was frequently falling sick during the end of August 2007. I was throwing up, thirsty all the time and felt drowsy all day. I constantly craved for sugary foods and beverages. Then, one day as I was sitting on the couch at home, I had a sudden attack of diabetic coma. I was taken to a medical facility and the doctors said that I had Ketones and that my sugar level was incredibly high and deadly at 1,200.

I was in the diabetic coma for a week and was fed through IVs. When I finally woke up, I was very disoriented and I didn’t remember anything. The doctors explained to me that I’d have to undergo a lot of tests and have to stay in the hospital for a while. I was only 12 at the time and since then I’ve been taking medications twice daily to control my diabetes. I also keep track of my sugar levels in a log book. I have also shed a few pounds by exercising regularly and by changing my diet. Life with Type 2 diabetes can be hard, especially for someone of my age, but my family has provided me great support by not consuming sugary foods or beverages in front of me.