Watching Friends Die

[Ronin]

Everyone:

Yet another stark reminder of the seriousness of this condition struck me yesterday when I learned that yet another friend has such serious complications from diabetes that he is likely to die soon. Unlike my closest friend, who died last January, this man is in his 80's but a lifetime of ignoring the warnings of his family (one son is an MD, married to another MD) and medical advisors now has him hospitalized with a massive infection and other complications from a lifetime of diabetes.

Those of us with the diagnosis of Pre-D have been given a warning that it is time to change our life. Ignore it at risk of your own life and the disruption of the lives of those around you.

Apologies for the downer message on the eve of Thanksgiving (here in the USA where over-indulgence is the theme of the day).

Diet, exercise and testing are necessary for all of us who are watching and it doesn't matter what day of the year it is.

[notme]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend George. Please accept my condolences. Diabetes can be so mean.

[lisa821]

George, that's awful. Be strong for your friend. I hope his 80 years have been good to him despite the diabetes.

Since I recently bought a new pump it amazed me how far pumping has come since I started pumping 8 years ago. I stubbornly held on to the same pump I started with. It was a very basic, workhorse pump that kept me alive. The one I just bought shocked me by how much easier it is to figure out boluses and how much I can fine-tune the amount of insulin I give myself. Pumping has come a long way in 8 years!

We live in the information/tech age now, and we're getting very close to a cure, I'm sure of it. You're right, these scary things that happen do remind us to take care of ourselves as much as we can until that day comes. Keep the faith.

[didi1]

I am so sorry to hear about your friend, especially since it is during the holidays. A grim reminder that everyday should be taken seriously with regards of our diets. Happy Thanksgiving everyone and god bless.

[caswellhb]

Ok. I have seen many friends die. Not through D admittedly but it does all seem to come down to either not caring or ignorance. Nobody should have to watch their friends die this way but my solice has always been that I have been there for them and that I won't go that way.
Just be there for your friend and help them realise they are cared for.

Heather.

[princesslinda]

George, i'm so very sorry to hear about your friend. I watched my mother die many years before she should have due to diabetic complications...it's not something i'd wish on anyone. Those memories help keep me motiviated to do whatever I need to do to hopefully avoid that situation at all costs.

[gettingby]

Ronin, so sorry for your friend.:(
I think hearing stories like this helps us all. For me, it makes me more determined to do what I need to do to survive !! I won't go down without a fight and I won't let diabetes or it's complications defeat me. :)
As with all things in life, ignorance is not bliss.
Will keep you and your friend in my thoughts.
(((hugs)))

[HealthyChocolat]

Everyone:

Yet another stark reminder of the seriousness of this condition struck me yesterday when I learned that yet another friend has such serious complications from diabetes that he is likely to die soon. Unlike my closest friend, who died last January, this man is in his 80's but a lifetime of ignoring the warnings of his family (one son is an MD, married to another MD) and medical advisors now has him hospitalized with a massive infection and other complications from a lifetime of diabetes.

Those of us with the diagnosis of Pre-D have been given a warning that it is time to change our life. Ignore it at risk of your own life and the disruption of the lives of those around you.

Apologies for the downer message on the eve of Thanksgiving (here in the USA where over-indulgence is the theme of the day).

Diet, exercise and testing are necessary for all of us who are watching and it doesn't matter what day of the year it is.

I am so so sorry about your loss. My sister and I are scared too, but our doctor said a little fear isn't bad, it forces us to take action.

Please tell: Has your doctor told you that pre-d. is reversible? My sister's did. He said, "Just lose the weight!"

Can it be that simple??