Life is different since being diagnosed
Readers share stories of how they have had to modify their lifestyles
Gulf News reader Qudsiya Khan, a homemaker based in Dubai, suffered from gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that some women get during pregnancy. Additionally, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
She said: “Many women suffer from PCOS, which in turn puts women at the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. It could also cause female infertility. I was diagnosed with PCOS four years ago and was told that I am likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, too. But there are ways to control it and I was determined to do anything to reverse it.”
Khan made a lot of changes in her diet and way of living.
She said: “Our food mainly consists of carbohydrates, so I had to make a lot of changes to my diet. I started consuming wholewheat foods and strictly no dessert.
“Before eating anything, I would look for the Glycemic Index (GI) value of that specific food item and would only try to eat foods with a low GI.
“When dining out, I would ask questions about the kind of flour used to make the breads and these outings gradually reduced. During Ramadan, my suhour would be a slice of wholewheat bread and milk and iftar would be a green apple. I started going for long walks.
“Trying to manage so as not to get this disease is a real challenge and a struggle both mentally and physically. I have seen people around me struggling to have a normal life with diabetes, while they get insulin shots twice a day. However, I feel that by modifying one’s lifestyle, one can fight the ilness.”
Reny Varughese, a Sharjah resident, was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy and was told that she could be a diabetic at any stage in life.
She said: “My insulin levels have been high. I was told about two months ago and have made a lot of changes to my diet. I am on a healthier diet, which is basically more proteins, vitamins and salads and it has made a difference to my energy levels. I’ve stopped consuming sugar and desserts and cut down on carbohydrates. My doctor has also advised me to walk every day, but due to the lack of time, I do so whenever I can. Slowly and surely, I believe I can be a healthier person.
V. I. Mohammad Sageer, a business development coordinator based in Dubai, says he wasn’t prepared for the news of his diagnosis.
He said: “I was first diagnosed 15 years ago. Initially it started with a mild escalation of sugar level, which only got worse. Although my father was diabetic, I was not prepared to be subjected to this condition. It was a shock and suddenly I felt like I had become vulnerable. I began to wonder what kind of physical limitations I was about to confront and how it would affect my overall sense of wellbeing. But slowly I learnt to accept the reality.
Strict diet and exercise regime
“Initially I didn’t allow myself to be bothered with the restrictions on my food habits. But I then went on a strict diet and exercise regime, apart from the medication that I was taking. It is quite frustrating and exasperating to live with diabetes, but we humans have a natural tendency to become resilient in the face of crisis and challenges. I soon adapted to the lifestyle and denied myself the luxury of eating a chocolate bar in its entirety.”
Banoo Khambata, a Dubai resident, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 45. Today, 25 years later, she has learnt to easily manage it.
She said: “When I was first diagnosed, it was not a very common illness and I had no idea what drastic changes I would have to make in my lifestyle. Only with time did I realise how hard it can be. I’ve always had a sweet tooth, but I had to give up on sweets, rice and starch — all yummy goodies. Walking regularly became a part of my routine and I did a bit of yoga as well.
“After all these years I have learnt to control myself and have been on a strict diet. But like every other human, I am tempted at times and do break the rules. I was advised by the doctors to lose weight. This illness has brought about many changes in my life and I pray that no one ever has to meet such a fate.”
Umbereen Rahman, a Dubai resident, has been living with diabetes since 2009.
She said: “When I was diagnosed, I was surprised because I did not expect this news so soon after my cancer treatment and wondered if it was due to the medications. I didn’t have to make drastic changes to my lifestyle, but had to eat very selective food and exercise almost daily.”
When asked how she would describe being a diabetic, she said: “Since I don’t have a very acute form of diabetes, it is not much of a problem. I cope with it very well with proper diet and exercise.”