by Alicia Eidson
I became diabetic in 1997. For the first two years, I managed my diabetes with diet and one pill a day called Glucotrol. I actually did pretty well with my diet, at least until one day when I was having lunch with two diabetic friends, Melinda and Debbie.
I ordered milk instead of a Coke, and they teased me about it. They said things like, “You’ll get over it,” and, “Give it some time, and you’ll be cheating too!” Unfortunately, they were right.
One day, I was dying for a Snickers bar, so I ate one. When I realized I didn’t die from eating it, I thought, “Why was I being so good all this time if I can eat this and be OK?” That one moment started me down a path of making poor choices for many years.
Eventually, my diabetes became much more serious, and I ended up becoming insulin-dependent. I started taking insulin shots, but I still wasn’t getting better. Of course, I wasn’t getting better because I wasn’t doing what I needed to do.
It took many years of making the wrong choices before some wonderful friends introduced me to ACBDA. I began paying closer attention. I listened to my doctors. I started watching my carbohydrates, eating better, and cutting back on sugar.
No, I’m still not perfect, but I am so much better than I used to be. My A1C used to be in the 9s and 10s, and now it is 7.3! I am absolutely ecstatic! I would love to see it reach the 6s someday, but right now, one of my biggest challenges is drinking enough water.
I am especially grateful to John, Larry, and Sugar for encouraging me to take better care of myself and for reminding me that I can do this. I also want others in ACBDA to know how much I enjoyed meeting new people at our mixer in St. Louis. Thank you all for the recipes, encouragement, friendship, and for being there when I have questions.
My journey is far from perfect, but I have learned that making better choices one day at a time really can make a difference. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this affiliate and to have people who encourage me along the way.