Taking aim at lifestyle change
RICK TODD, Type 2 diabetes
Rick Todd, now 63, has been living with diabetes for nearly two decades. Diagnosed at 41, Todd admits he wasn’t completely taken by surprise.
“My mother had it,” he says, noting his family’s history with diabetes. “Five years ago, my sister was diagnosed with it.”
Before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the retired real estate agent says two major symptoms alerted him of the possibility of a problem — not only did he find himself constantly thirsty, he was also having great difficulty making decisions. He also suffered three heart attacks between the ages of 39 and 43.
“I was advised that while (the diabetes) was hereditary for me, part of my understanding of it was that it was brought about by the heart attack. I wouldn’t have realized what it was until all these symptoms starting coming about, and I had to face a lifestyle change.”
Originally from Guelph, Todd moved to Windsor about a year and a half ago, where he was introduced to endocrinologist Dr. Robert Wilson. Under his doctor’s care, Todd is managing his diabetes quite well, but admits that even after nearly twenty years of living with diabetes, he still finds himself frustrated.
“I get angry, sure,” says Todd. “I have a lot of appointments. At this point I have five different doctors, so I’m constantly going. Sometimes it feels really bad, sometimes it feels like too much.
“But the doctors have been so good, and really, I shouldn’t have any complaints. It’s easy to wish, when you have this, that you didn’t. It’s hard to accept yet another diet or yet another thing you have to do.”
In recognition of Todd’s frustration, his health care providers encouraged him to seek the guidance of the well-informed and compassionate staff of the Diabetes Wellness Centre. Todd met with them immediately, and was overwhelmed with their superior level of care and depth of knowledge.
“I have diabetes, but I also have heart problems and kidney problems,” says Todd. “So they’re trying to help me with my diet, because every one of those things means something different. Sometimes you’re doing something good for one thing, and it turns out it’s bad for another. They’re incredible at helping me figure it all out, which is difficult to do, even though I’ve had this for a long time.
“Quite honestly, it’s the nicest kind of appointment I’ve ever had,” continues Todd. “They really take the time, and they’re nothing short of exceptional. What you can eat? What you can’t eat? They explain it all.
“It’s very hard to change your life. I was in denial for a long time. I refused to do this stuff. But eventually you learn. Do it sooner. It’s much better than later.”