Be Heard: Fighting diabetes day-by-day

I was diagnosed with insulin resistance at the age of 14. Since I was too young, the doctors couldn't prescribe high doses of any medicine. However, I started facing many health problems and was referred to several doctors, and every one of them said the same thing — lose weight and take your medicine.

When I turned 19, I got fed up and decided to consult a Dubai-based endocrinologist one last time. The results were the same, but now my doctor almost tripled my dosage. All these years I had not been careful with my medication despite being well aware of the consequences of being a diabetic.

Reprieve

Two years later, in January 2009, my doctor decided to conduct a test that could actually determine whether I am pre-diabetic or diabetic. He was able to recognise the symptoms — overweight, strong family history of diabetes, laziness and psychological disturbance. To his shock, a difference of only 0.1 milligram in the report saved me from being a diabetic. At first it was difficult for me and my parents to understand the concept of pre-diabetes, but the doctor provided us with all the necessary information. Maybe this was my last chance.

From that day on I have been taking my medications on time and have modified my diet and lifestyle. It's been 10 months now and my condition is much better. My pre-diabetic level is very much under control. Also, I have managed to lose weight — from 94 kilograms I have come down to 78. I now go for regular medical check-ups every three to four months.

Determination

Diabetes is not curable but it's preventable. I know one day I will be diabetic, but for now I have reduced the chances of this. If I had been diagnosed with diabetes, my life would not have been the same. At the mere age of 21 I would have had to look away from many things and face many health problems. Maybe I was destined to get this last chance. Though I am pre-diabetic, I lead a normal life. It just requires a little effort and determination. Many people don't know that they are diabetic and by the time they find out, it is too late. I urge people to at least go for an annual check-up, if any of the symptoms persist. Diabetes can be prevented and it's only the individual who can do so.

On this very day, I would like to thank God, my doctor and my parents for their immense support. Through this personal experience, I want people to be more aware of pre-diabetes and also not panic if they are diagnosed with it. If I can face it, so can they.

— The writer is a Sharjah-based university student and Gulf News reader